Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar : Sergeant J V Lihou, 13 Battalion, AIF

Distinguished Conduct Medal & Bar (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

James Victor 'Jimmy' Lihou was born to Stephen and Eliza Lihou in Dubbo, NSW on 6 February 1895. He was educated at Wongarbon Public School. Prior to the First World War he earned a living as a farm hand, enlisting on 15 January 1916 at Dubbo. He was posted to the 18th Reinforcements for 13 Battalion (13Bn). Lihou embarked on the HMAT Clan McGillivray on 3 May 1916. In October he joined 13Bn at Reninghelst, Belgium.

Lihou was wounded during the attack on Stormy Trench near Gueudecourt, on 5 February 1917, and again during the 1st Battle of Bullecourt on 11 April. On 1 October, he was promoted to lance corporal, then to corporal on 26 March 1918. For his role in the fighting at Hebuterne in March and April 1918, he was awarded the Military Medal. During the Battle of Hamel in July, Lihou was once again singled out for his actions. He had pioneered the practice of shooting the almost 12 kilogram Lewis machine gun from the hip, a method then adopted by many other units, allowing him to play a significant role in the success of his platoon's objective.

For his actions during the battle he was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). The recommendation for the award reads: 'On 4th July, 1918, during the operation against VAIRE WOOD (East of CORBIE) this N.C.O. had charge of a Lewis Gun Section in the leading wave. Throughout the advance he fired from the hip with great effect, and at one point when an enemy post threatened to hold up our line he engaged it so effectually that a bombing section was enabled to approach from a flank without casualties, and kill all the occupants. Shortly after, one of his Section became a casualty and Cpl. LIHOU although very heavily laden himself, carried this man's gun in addition, right to the ultimate objective. Here his work was again most valuable. By the most aggressive use of his Lewis Gun during the consolidation he quickly neutralised the fire of enemy Machine Gunners and Snipers. Later, when his company was undergoing an intense hostile barrage the alert and cheerful bearing, and cool confidence of this most gallant N.C.O. was a great factor in the stocial (sic) endurance of his Platoon.'

While on leave in England in August, Lihou was promoted to sergeant. On 18 September, a few days after returning, he was killed rushing a machine gun post in fighting near the village of Le Verguier. For his actions during the battle, he was posthumously awarded a Bar to his DCM. His body was not recovered and he is commemorated on the Villers Bretonneux Memorial.
The recommendation for the award reads: 'During the attack on the 18th Sept. 1918, near LE VERGUIER, considerable confusion existed owing to thick fog and smoke, and LIHOU did yeoman work in endeavouring to keep the Company together and in touch on both flanks. While doing this, he and a small party of 7 became detached, but kept on moving forward and thus got right ahead of the rest of the line which at this time had dropped behind the barrage. They ran right on to a M.G. post which opened fire on them. Sgt. LIHOU immediately rushed the post and threw a bomb killing three of the crew and taking the others prisoner. Later, when this party reached the first objective they met with opposition from several machine guns. Sgt. LIHOU charged ahead and bombed and captured one crew thus enabling his party to get into the trench. They then started to bomb down the trench and an M.G. some distance down was seen to be firing on and holding up the Battalion on the right which was then coming up. Sgt. LIHOU immediately jumped out of the trench and charged towards the gun single-handed but unfortunately before he could reach it this gallant N.C.O. was severely wounded. His conduct and bearing right up to the time he was wounded was magnificent and a most heartening example to the men, and the assistance he rendered the Officers in rallying the men in the thick smoke was of the very greatest help to the success of the attack.'