Company Sergeant Major 5820 William BIDDLE. MC, DCM, MM. 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, C 1920.
He was Court Martialed on the 7th February 1903 as Private 5820. Charge, Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, found guilty Sentence. Imprisoned with hard labour for 84 days.
Mentioned in Despatches by Field Marshal, Sir John D.P.French, G.C.B., O.M., G.C.V.O., K.C. M.G. dated 31st May 1915. For gallant and distinguished service in the Field. I have it in command from the King to record His Majesty's high appreciation of the services rendered.
Military Medal citation
This Non-Commissioned Officer has constantly displayed the greatest coolness and disregard for danger to carrying out his duties as Signalling Sergeant for more than a year. Under heavy shelling he has organised and personally supervised the repair of Company Telephone wires when cut . On four occasions on the 15th April 1916 at Marac, during heavy bombardment of the communication trenches he repaired lines which were continually being cut.
Awarded the Bar to the Military Medal.
For great gallantry on the 16th and 17th July 1916 and on 24th and 25th July 1916 near Pozieres. This Non-Commissioned Officer continually exposed himself fearlessly under heavy shell fire in order to keep telephone communications. The result of his work was that communications was rarely interrupted at a time when telephone wires were continually being cut.
London Gazette dated 14th November 1916. D.C.M
5820 Sergeant. W. Biddle, Gloucestershire Regiment. For conspicuous gallantry in action. He commenced to lay a telephone line, but finding part of the enemy's trench still occupied,he collected four men and led an assault, capturing eight prisoners. He showed great courage and initiative throughout
London Gazette dated 5th September 1918
5820 C.S.M. W. Biddle, D.C.M, Gloucestershire Regiment (Anerley, S.E.).
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty round Festubert on the 18th April 1918. When all communication failed with battalion headquarters, and the enemy were working round in the rear of his company, he attacked with a dozen details and drove them back. He did the journey (1,200 yards) between his company and battalion headquarters under heavy bombardment three or four times during the day when runners failed to get through.
(D.C.M. gazetted 14th November, 1916.)
London Gazette dated 16th September 1918.
Awarded a second Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
No. 5820 O.S.M. William Biddle, D.C.M.-M.M., Gloucestershire Regiment.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the hostile trench. When, owing to a dust and smoke barrage, the second wave became disorganised, he collected as many sections as he could and led them to the final objective. Here he rushed a machine-gun post, following the enemy to the entrance of a system of deep dug-outs. He attempted to get down, but failed owing to the amount of smoke. That the final objective was reached was owing, in great measure, to his fine courage, determination and able leadership.
London Gazette dated 22nd November 1919. Military Medal.
FRANCE AND FLANDERS.
5820 Sergeant W. Biddle, D.C.M., M.M., 1st Bn. Gloucestershire Regiment (Dockhead).
