A fine Great War M.C. group of four awarded to Major J. L. Veitch, 7th (Cyclist) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, who was killed in action whilst attached to the 1st Devons at Nieppe in May 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, contained in a contemporary bronzed-copper glazed display frame surmounted by regimental badge; 1914-15 Star (Capt. J. L. Veitch. Devon R.); British War and Victory Medals (Major J. L. Veitch) extremely fine (4) £1,000-£1,200

Provenance: Christie’s, November 1992.

M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He and another company officer, with their companies, defended a bridgehead against five enemy attacks and an armoured car. Under heavy shelling they displayed courage and skill of a high order, and did most valuable service.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 May 1917.

John Leonard Veitch was born in 1887 and was educated at Exeter School, 1900-05. He was commissioned Lieutenant in the 7th (Cyclist) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment on 1 May 1913, becoming Captain on 29 August 1914. He served in France from 29 December 1915, attached to the 1st Devons. He was wounded in the attack on Coulotte on 14 April 1917, and won his M.C. at Nieppe, 12-15th April 1918 as an acting Major. He was killed in action at Nieppe on 21 April 1918, as described in the regimental history:

‘It was misty, but though this let the enemy get up fairly close, they could not face the rifle and Lewis-gun fire and fell back after suffering heavily. But the Devons did not escape scatheless, having about 40 casualties, including Major Veitch killed. He was commanding in Colonel Worrall’s absence on leave, and had gone forward to see how No. 11 was getting on, as it was reported to have suffered heavily. Just as he reached the front line the Germans launched their counter-attack. He characteristically insisted in pushing forward to the new line and ran into some Germans who had got into the trench. He shot several down with his revolver and was then killed by a bomb; but his example had fire the men holding the new line, and they drove the Germans off. He had joined the battalion from the Devon Cyclists as long ago as December, 1915, and had shown himself a determined fighter and resolute leader, and was much regretted.’

He was aged 31, the son of Peter Christian Massyn Veitch, of Exeter, and is buried in Thiennes British Cemetery, Nord, France.