Lot Essay
D.C.M. Submitted to the Queen 6.11.1886.
Sergeant William Eaton, D.C.M., was one of four Officers and 42 Other Ranks from 1st Battery, 1st Brigade, Southern Division, R.A. present at Abu Klea, an action that resulted in the unit receiving an Honour Title. Armed with three 2.5-inch R.M.L. "Screw" Guns, which were transported on camels, the Battery played a prominent role in the events 17.1.1885, engaging through gaps the swarms of enemy horsemen who circled the British square. When at length the enemy broke the left rear of the square, they were for a moment in among the Artillerymen, and a desperate hand to hand mlee ensued, Gunner Albert Smith taking up the handspike of his gun and braining one of the enemy - he was awarded the Victoria Cross. For his own gallantry on that fateful day, and afterwards at Gubat, Corporal Eaton was awarded his D.C.M. and promoted to Sergeant.
Sergeant William Eaton, D.C.M., was one of four Officers and 42 Other Ranks from 1st Battery, 1st Brigade, Southern Division, R.A. present at Abu Klea, an action that resulted in the unit receiving an Honour Title. Armed with three 2.5-inch R.M.L. "Screw" Guns, which were transported on camels, the Battery played a prominent role in the events 17.1.1885, engaging through gaps the swarms of enemy horsemen who circled the British square. When at length the enemy broke the left rear of the square, they were for a moment in among the Artillerymen, and a desperate hand to hand mlee ensued, Gunner Albert Smith taking up the handspike of his gun and braining one of the enemy - he was awarded the Victoria Cross. For his own gallantry on that fateful day, and afterwards at Gubat, Corporal Eaton was awarded his D.C.M. and promoted to Sergeant.