Item
Downs Fred Sergt 23743
Catalogue reference: SKR/DAT/IP/8473
What’s it about?
This record is about the Downs Fred Sergt 23743 dating from 2000-2024.
Is it available online?
Maybe, but not on The National Archives website. This record is held at Vickers MG Collection & Research Association.
Can I see it in person?
Not at The National Archives, but you may be able to view it in person at Vickers MG Collection & Research Association.
Full description and record details
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Reference (The unique identifier to the record described, used to order and refer to it)
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SKR/DAT/IP/8473
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Title (The name of the record)
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Downs Fred Sergt 23743
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Date (When the record was created)
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2000-2024
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Description (What the record is about)
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The user is advised to read the FINDING AIDS document linked to this catalogue for an explanation of the method by which this record has been created and any terms used.
Surname: Downs;
Forename(s): Fred;
Initials: F;
Number: 23743;
Rank: Sergt;
Born in: Rotherham, Yorks;
Enlisted in: Liverpool;
Previous Number: 1760;
Previous Battalion: 8 of;
Previous Regiment: Liverpool Regt;
MGC Branch: Infantry;
MGC Unit: 55 Bn;
Other MGC Unit Served (1): 164 Coy;
Other MGC Unit Served (2): 55 Bn;
Date abroad: 03-May-1915;
Theatre of War: 1;
How killed: DOW;
Where: UK;
When killed: 26-Jun-1918;
Awarded: DCM, MM;
Gallantry Notes: DCM: 23743 Sjt. F. Downs, M.M., M.G. C. (Liverpool) (LG 3 Oct. 1918).
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When fifteen of the enemy had effected an entrance to his emplacement and the rest of the team were overcome with gas and cordite fumes, he kept them at bay with his revolver and fired his gun until the arrival of our counter-attacking troops. (Immediate Award) recommended by Lt Col HW Bolton Cdg 55 Bn MGC & Brig C Stockwell Cdg 164 Inf Bde. Countersigned Maj Gen H Jeudwine, Cdg 55 Div.;Other Data: 1914-15 Star roll
MM presented to him 164 Coy 19/1/1917
See mention of him in the action of 9/4/1918 by Lt Cullen 55 Bn
DCM.MM & Trio offered Adam Partridge Auctions, Knutsford, June '17;Other Notes: DOWNS, Serjeant, FRED, DCM, MM, 23743. 55th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Inf). Died of wounds (gas) 26th June 1918. Age 20. Son of James Clement and Emma Downs, of 63, Rupert Lane, Everton, Liverpool. Native of Rotherham. VIII. C.E. 492. Liverpool (Everton) Cemetery - Lancashire, United Kingdom.
DCM: LG 3/10/1918
MM: LG 14/1/1918;END OF RECORD.
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Held by (Who holds the record)
- Vickers MG Collection & Research Association
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Language (The language of the record)
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English
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Creator(s) (The creator of the record)
- Graham Sacker
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Physical description (The amount and form of the record)
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1 digital record
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Access conditions (Information on conditions that restrict or affect access to the record)
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Users to read Finding Aids page. Further information may contain GDPR-protected information and not be released. Appointment required for access or paid research.
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Unpublished finding aids (A note of unpublished indexes, lists or guides to the record)
- Finding Aids page on VMGCRA Website: https://vickersmg.blog/about/research/mgcdatabase/. Additional material may be available for VMGCRA Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/vickersmg/posts?filters%5Btag%5D=skr8473 . Ensure you are logged in to check. Subscribe from £3 per month.
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Record URL
- https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/e60c101b-c485-47fe-9fab-e4c9dbbe9e04/
Series information
SKR/DAT/IP
Machine Gun Corps Database
See the series level description for more information about this record.
Catalogue hierarchy
This record is held at Vickers MG Collection & Research Association
Within the fonds: SKR.2025.11
Machine Gun Corps Database Collection
Within the series: SKR/DAT/IP
Machine Gun Corps Database
Within the file: SKR/DAT/IP
Individual Records
You are currently looking at the item: SKR/DAT/IP/8473
Downs Fred Sergt 23743