The medals of Sgt Pierre Chastagnol
On 4th May 1915 he received his first citation for his actions on 24th April while serving with 100 RI at Bois d’Ailly: ‘Showed courage and bravery in the trenches, where despite an intense bombardment he continued to fire.’
In March 1916 he joined 165 RI and fought at Verdun, during this period the regiment saw action at Haumont wood, Caures wood, and Anglemont farm where they suffered very heavy losses. In April the regiment moved to Flanders, and in June, Chastagnol was injured by a rocket, receiving substantial burns to his face and hand which resulted in him being evacuated from the trenches.
After recovering, he was attached to 84 RI on 10th September 1916 and departed for Salonika. While serving there, he was commended for his brave actions on 30th August 1917 when he volunteered for some of the most dangerous missions during the fighting on that day. By July 1918 he was back in France, and after joining 8 RI he saw action at Wadon puis Aisne from August onwards, and then on to Ponto St Medart where he served until the armistice.
