Geoffrey Bayzand MC and bar

[BMoorhouse]

I would be grateful if anyone might have any information on this man.

His family history is that he was in both Artists Rifles and Coldstream Guards. Presumably having an MC and bar would suggest that he attracted attention a few times.

Brendon.

[charlesmessenger]

His Artists Rifles No was 7779 and he was commissioned into the Coldstream on 14 Aug 16. He was wounded on 12 Apr 18. The Army List for Dec 1919 has him as Coldstrem Special Reserve. The citations for his MCs are as follows:

MC

Near Houthoulst Forest, 9 Oct 1917. For conspicious gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of the battalion forward carrying party advancing in the rear of the leading battalion. Later, he was in charge of all carrying parties and successfully brought up material and water in spite of continuous shelling and the almost impassable condition of the ground. Fresh carrying parties were detailed each time, but he took charge of each one.

Bar to MC

South of Gavrelle, 27/28 Feb 1918. When in command of a party raiding the enemy trenches, he hed his men close up under our barrage, which had the effect of avoiding casualties to his party and surprising the enemy to a far greater degree than otherwise would have been the case. He showed fine judgement in deciding when the object of the raid had been attained and in ordering the withdrawal at the earliest possible moment, he himself being the last to return to our trenches. His courage, powers of leadership, and ability were beyond all praise, and contributed largely to the initial success of the raid.

Suggest to look at the Coldstream 1914-18 history to identify his battalion. The war diary for this will be at the National Archives, Kew. I trawl of their website may reveal the existence of a personal file for him. MICs will also help.

Charles M

[BMoorhouse]

Charles,

Thank you very much for the prompt and very helpful response.

Brendon.