Bill Gregg
was not a tall man by any means, but heavily built and very strong. He was a keen sportsman with a particular love of football. His athleticism was made very obvious when his commanding officer (Colonel Stewart), organised a battalion cross country run in an attempt to distract his men from the terrible war for a short while. In this race 400 officers and men took part, William Gregg crossed the winning line first !
Picture (left) is
the Cap Badge of the famous Rifle Brigade
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Bill Gregg soon established himself within his battalion as a fearless fighting man.
One of his platoon Corporals said of him "He was completely fearless." "He came through action after action unscathed". "In fact, he went looking for trouble, particularly at night in 'no mans land', observing and searching for information." "Indeed a fine fighting man and one that we would follow anywhere".
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Sergeant WILLIAM GREGG's MILITARY MEDAL
Sergeant Bill Gregg received the Military Medal on March the 26th. 1917 . This was for his courageous conduct within the Hulluch? Sector. Bill Gregg volunteered for this although he knew it to be a very risky mission. He crawled between the opposing lines under the eyes of the enemy. Bill's mission was to establish the identity of a dead Enemy soldier. This he did in the bright morning light, and in a semi exposed position that was often overlooked by an enemy sentry.
The mission took "a long time" but Bill Gregg returned with "shoulder straps , identity disc, pay book" and (sadly) letters.
(Please note. The scans of these medals are poor, but they *are* the actual medals awarded to Bill Gregg)
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Sergeant WILLIAM GREGG's DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
This Gallantry Medal was awarded for "Conspicuous Gallantry and devotion to duty".
Just eight months after the courageous act for which he was awarded the Military Medal,
William Gregg M.M. was one of a party reconnoitring a 'position', and it was essential that the battalion should be informed.
"
He undertook this duty, and carried several messages across the road which was swept with machine-gun fire." Due to this courageous act, his unit was able to co-operate in the defence, and the situation was restored".---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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