Three: Private A. MacDonald, 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Regiment, who was killed in action in the fighting around Gheluvelt, 31 October 1914

1914 Star, with copy clasp (L-10151 Pte A. McDonald. 1/The Queen’s R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-10151 Pte. A. Macdonald. [sic] The Queen’s R.) very fine (3) £100-£140

Archibald MacDonald was born in Plumstead, Kent, and was the son of Mrs B. McDonald of 53 Goodmayes, Essex. He served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Regiment on the Western Front. Private McDonald was killed in action on the Western Front, 31 October 1914. For the latter date ‘Colonel H. C. Wylly, C.B. noted in his history of the Queen’s that 31st October was “one of the worst days experienced by the 1st Battalion during the whole war”, some 624 men (including Captain Stanley-Creek, killed) becoming casualties during the fighting around Gheluvelt that day. Colonel Wylly gives the Battalion’s strength after the battle as a total of 32. Most of these men being cooks and transport personnel.’ (British Battalions in France & Belgium 1914 refers)

Private MacDonald is buried in the Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium.