A rare inter-War ‘Mesopotamia’ M.C. group of ten awarded to Captain A. Rea, 8th Rajput Regiment, Indian Army, late 4-7th Rajputs and Welsh Regiment, for his gallantry at Hillah on 1 August 1920

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. A. Rea. Welsh. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. A. Rea.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (Capt. A. Rea.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Waziristan 1921-24 (Capt. A. Rea, 4-7 Rajput R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal, very fine and better (10) £1,400-£1,800

M.C. London Gazette 10 August 1921:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 1st August, 1920, at Hillah, Mesopotamia. During an attack the Arabs broke through the line of a neighbouring unit. He decided to counter-attack, and though against far superior numbers, drove the enemy back, inflicting many casualties. By his initiative and leadership he restored the line and! saved the situation. It was mainly due to his coolness and bravery that the counter-attack was successful, and his pluck and resource were an example to all.’

Alfred Rea was commissioned temporary Second Lieutenant in the Welsh Regiment on 28 December 1914 and served with the 11th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 1915. Promoted Lieutenant on 28 September 1916, he was posted on attachment to the 7th Duke of Connaught’s Own Rajputs, Indian Army from 11 September 1917, and was confirmed in the Indian Army on 11 September 1918. He saw further service with the Rajputs in both Iraq and Waziristan, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry in Mesopotamia whilst serving with the 8th Rajputs.

Sold with various cap badges, buttons, and unit insignia relating to both the 7th and 8th Rajputs.