A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Captain William Birnie, 5th (Caithness) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf (Capt.); Defence Medal, unnamed, mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £900-1000

M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1919.

Recommendation states: ‘During the operations from 21-28 July 1918, north-west of Epernay, this officer did splendid work and was of the greatest assistance to his Commanding Officer. The duties of Adjutant were ably carried out by him in the midst of heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, and frequently adverse weather conditions, when the only cover available were shell holes. The devotion to duty displayed by him materially assisted in the success of the operations. During the advance on 28 July 1918, when one of the companies came under heavy machine-gun fire and shell fire, he assisted in manoeuvring the company in such a manner that casualties were avoided and order restored amongst the men who had been slightly disorganised by the suddenness of the heavy fire opened upon them.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 28 December 1918.

Recommendation states: ‘For continuous good service during the period 17 September to 11 November 1918. Captain Birnie has always performed his duties as Adjutant, whether in or out of action, with conspicuous success and with untiring energy. Both tactically and administratively his services have been invaluable. In particular on 12 October at Avesner-les-Sec, he made a personal reconnaissance under heavy fire and brought back valuable information as to the situation. His gallantry in the forward area on this occasion greatly assisted in restoring a somewhat critical situation.’

William Birnie was born on 14 July 1889 and lived in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. Prior to the Great War he was employed as a Travelling Secretary to Sir Thomas Lipton, the Scottish ‘Tea-Tycoon’. Enlisting into the Seaforths (T.F.) shortly after the outbreak of hostilities, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion in April 1915. Promoted Temporary Lieutenant in June 1915, he was advanced to Temporary Captain in November the same year. Captain Birnie, serving with the 5th Battalion, as Adjutant, entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 21 March 1918. For his services in the last year of the war, he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Military Cross.

With Officer’s Record of Services booklet (Army Book 439); old pencilled recommendations for his M.C. and M.I.D. (as above); congratulatory card re his mention in despatches; several newspaper cuttings; Grenadier Instructor’s Certificate (fragmentary); with other original papers; plus copied m.i.c., gazette and war diary extracts.