A Great War ‘battle of the Ancre’ M.C. pair awarded to Lieutenant F. C. Hill, Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed, in case of issue; Victory Medal 1914-19, M.I.D. oakleaf (Lieut., R.N.V.R.) good very fine and better (2) £600-800

M.C. London Gazette 10 January 1917, ‘Temp. Sub-Lt. Frederick Charles Hill, R.N.V.R.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He collected ammunition from casualties under heavy fire, which was of the utmost importance. Later, he chose positions for eighteen guns and guided the teams, thus making a thinly-held line secure’.

M.I.D. London Gazette 13 July 1916.

Frederick Charles Hill was born on 13 June 1881 in Marldon, Devon. A Gardener by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in May 1900 and attained the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class in March 1911. Posted to the Royal Naval Division in September 1914, he was appointed a Temporary Sub-Lieutenant in the Hood Battalion in September the following year. He arrived in France from Mudros on 22 May 1916 and was posted to Etaples Training Camp. Rejoining his unit on 16 June 1916 he was subsequently mentioned in despatches. Then at the battle of the Ancre, 13/14 November 1916 he was awarded the M.C. for his distinguished conduct. Promoted Temporary Lieutenant in July 1917, he was transferred to the 3rd thence the 2nd Reserve Battalion, R.N.V.R. at Aldershot in March 1918. After a period in hospital he was returned to the Hood Battalion in France on 26 October 1918. Postwar he assumed the duties of 2nd in command of the battalion. Lieutenant Hill died on 2 August 1919 whilst serving on H.M.S. Excellent (Plymouth). He was buried in Marldon (St. John the Baptist) Churchyard, Devon. Sold with copied research.