A Great War M.C. group of six awarded to Lieutenant F. E. Skinner, 23rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, late Middlesex Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed, ‘Lieut. F. E. Skinner, Royal Fusiliers, 23-2-18’; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, Cape Colony (5437 Cpl., Middlesex Regt); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (5437 Pte., Middlesex Regt.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (L_5437 C. Sjt., Midd’x. R.) mounted for wear, second and third with edge bruising and contact marks, fine and better (6) £900-1200

M.C. London Gazette 18 July 1918. ‘2nd Lt. (T./Lt.) Frank Ernest Skinner, R. Fus.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in command of a company during the operations, and showed the greatest ability and judgement in the most difficult conditions and under intense shell fire. He was responsible for repelling an enemy attack, and set his men a splendid example of cheerfulness and courage throughout.’

Frank Ernest Skinner served as a Private in the Middlesex Regiment during the Boer War. In the Great War he entered France as an Acting Warrant Officer Class 2 on 16 March 1916. He was commissioned on 6 March 1917 and as a Temporary Lieutenant in the 23rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, earned the Military Cross for bravery and leadership in action.

With copied gazette extract and m.i.c., the latter indicating his British War and Victory Medals were re-issued in 1922.