John William Trotter

Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette 1.1.1918. Citation 17.4.1918) as 12609 Sergeant, 10th Battalion DLI

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on many occasions as battalion transport sergeant. His coolness and courage under fire, and in trying circumstances, were most marked, and he has consistently done excellent work".

" CSM J W Trotter has been Transport Instructor of his battalion since its formation in August 1914. During the operations at Ypres in 1915, he suffered considerable casualties with transport both day and night. He displayed the utmost coolness and courage during the heavy bombardments, also in keeping the transport in the greatest of order. He is a good leader of transport and also a good leader of men, on the Somme on July 1st 1916, September and October 1916. During all these operations, he displayed the same coolness and courage while leading his men and during the heavy bombardments at Arras, and North West of Arras in 1916 and the early part of 1917. During these operations he also displayed the same coolness and courage when in charge of a bombing party going over the top, he took his objective and brought back 16 machine guns belonging to the enemy. I can recommend him as a good leader of transport and also a good leader of men. He has done such good work for this battalion. He has never faltered at any time when there has been heavy casualties or bombardments. He has displayed the same coolness and courage, he has done consistent good work as a Transport Instructor.

Mentioned in Despatches as Company Sergeant Major 10th Battalion DLI

"I can recommend this NCO as being cool and a good organiser of transports during the very heavy bombardments. He is a good leader of men when under heavy shell fire at Arras, Peronne and Albert. I have seen him in charge of transport columns, also with pack animals he has never failed to be cool and displayed the greatest courage, during casualties with transports he has given every as