Family group:

A Great War 1916 ‘French theatre’ M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant W. H. Flett, 1/6th (Perthshire) Battalion, Royal Highlanders, for his gallantry at Neuville St. Vaast on Vimy Ridge, 3 April 1916 - when the Germans blew up two mines under the battalion’s position and then tried to clear them with bombs. Despite suffering multiple wounds - Flett continued to supply and encourage his men in their defence of the position. He succumbed to these wounds, 19 April 1916

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. W. H. Flett.); Memorial Plaque (William Henry Flett) all housed in a custom made hinged wooden case, the medals have worked there way loose, good very fine

British War Medal 1914-20 (2) (2. Lieut. A. D. Flett; A. B. Flett.) generally very fine or better (6) £1,200-£1,600

M.C. London Gazette 16 May 1916:

‘For conspicuous gallantry during a bombing attack. Although hit several times, he continued to assist in the supply of bombs and to encourage his men till he was finally disabled.’

William Henry Flett was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in January 1883. He was one of five brothers, three of whom died during the Great War. Flett was educated at The Leys and Edinburgh University, a talented sportsman who outside of his school career went on to play rugby for Edinburgh Wanderers. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and was working in that capacity in Canada with the outbreak of the Great War.

Flett attested for the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Vancouver in March 1915, and was initially posted in the ranks to the 47th and 30th Battalions. He was discharged to commission in the Imperial Army in August 1915, and was posted as a Second Lieutenant for service with the 1/6th (Perthshire) Battalion, Royal Highlanders. Flett served with the Battalion on the Western Front from January 1916. By the beginning of April 1916, Flett was serving with the Battalion at Neuville St. Vaast on Vimy Ridge. The Germans exploded two mines near their positions on 3 April 1916, and it was in the aftermath of this that Flett distinguished himself:

‘Lt. Flett was in charge of a section of line held by his Regiment when the Germans fired two mines and attempted to bomb the Black Watch out of their position, He is reported to have acquitted himself with marked courage and devotion. Even after having his foot smashed, he continued to pass up bombs, but was wounded a second time by a bomb, sustaining a compound fracture of the thigh. He was taken to hospital, where it was found that, in addition to his other wounds, he was hurt in both arms.’ (Letter to his family from a fellow officer refers)

Lieutenant Flett died of his wounds on 19 April 1916, and is buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France.

Arthur David Flett was the elder brother of the above, and was born in 1880. His education was the same as his brother, as was his sporting prowess - he was additionally Treasurer of the Edinburgh University Athletic Club and Secretary of the Scottish Football Union. He initially served in the ranks at the Inns of Court, Officer Training Corps, before being commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion, Royal Scots (T.F.), 2 August 1916. Second Lieutenant Flett transferred to the 16th (Service) Battalion (2nd Edinburgh), and was killed in action on the Western Front, 9 April 1917. The latter date was the first day of the Battle of Arras, and:

‘One group of German machine-gunners fought to the death, and was only put out of action by a gallant charge led by 2nd Lieuts. A. D. Flett and Thurburn, both of whom fell dead just before their men closed with the Boches.’ (Regimental History refers)

Second Lieutenant Flett is buried in Bailleul Road East Cemetery, St. Laurent-Blangy, France.

Annie Binny Flett was the sister of the above, and served during the Great War with the Y.M.C.A. in the French theatre of war from November 1916 (MIC gives the BWM as being her sole entitlement).

Sold with photographic image of W. H. Flett, and file of copied research relating to the above.