Medal & Mortality index
The Distinguished Service Order was instituted by Queen Victoria, September
6th, 1886. May be conferred on Commissioned Officers who have been
specially mentioned in despatches for meritorious or distinguished service in
the field or before the enemy. Bars may be added for additional acts of
gallantry. Since August 1st, 1918, this Order has been awarded in respect of
active service for "services in action " only, i.e., for service under fire or
for distinguished individual service in connection with air-raids, bombardments
or other enemy action.
STERNDALE-BENNETT, Commander Walter ... ... Royal Naval Division, R.N.V.R.
BEAUCOURT, 13th November, 1916. He assumed command of and handled his battalion
with marked courage and ability. He personally collected a party and bombed the
enemy out of part of their second line, where they might have held up the
attack. [2977