Acts of Exemplary Gallantry…

The Military Cross has, since its inception in 1914, served as one of the highest-level military decorations awarded to officers of the British (and formerly Commonwealth) Armed Forces. It is granted in recognition of ‘an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.’

The distinct qualities of this award and its recipients have made it a favourite amongst collectors, for whom supplementary honours and provenance are of key importance.

A recent instance of this was seen in our July auction of last year, when a Military Cross group awarded to Captain Robert Bruce Wallace saw fierce international bidding before being knocked down to an Australian bidder for £6,500. This example was presented alongside a Distinguished Service Order, as well as campaign medals dating from 1914 to 1955, with a strong provenance in that it was offered by a relative of the recipient.

Within our upcoming Militaria sale, we are delighted to be offering another Military Cross group of note. This instance, awarded to Captain John Crawford (Medical Corp), is featured alongside two WWI service medals, as well as a corresponding set of miniatures.

What really adds to the historical importance of this group is the addition of a number of schooling medals from Captain Crawford’s days at the John Neilson Institute of Paisley, and St. Mungo’s College Glasgow. These include awards for ‘Forensic Medicine & Public Health...’, ‘Ophthalmology...’ and ‘Systematic Surgery’, picked up shortly before he was to enlist in 1914. To think that these skills would prove critical during his own ‘active operations against the enemy’ only adds to what is a most noteworthy group.

With an attractive estimate of £400-600, the group is one of many to watch out for in our upcoming sale.

View the auction here >>

James Bruce

For a complimentary, no-obligation valuation, visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist on 0141 810 2880 or auction@mctears.co.uk.