A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. and Second Award Bar group of four awarded to Pioneer H. C. Rycroft, Royal Engineers, who was decorated for passing on vital messages whilst under enemy attack

Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (81867 Pr. H. C. Rycroft. 7/D.S.Coy. R.E.); 1914-15 Star (81867 Pnr: H. C. Rycroft: R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (81867 2.Cpl. H. C. Rycroft. R.E.) light contact marks, generally very fine (4) £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916.

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 4 February 1918.

Harry Cecil Rycroft was born in the market town of Colne in Lancashire in 1894, and served with the Divisional Signals in France from 7 November 1915. Twice decorated with the Military Medal for bravery in the field, Rycroft was later sent to No. 21 Field Ambulance on 7 October 1918 suffering from influenza. Evacuated to safety via Ambulance Train, he returned home to Colne and later set up a business in Bradford as a cotton and artificial silk lining manufacturer.

Sold with a poignant letter from the recipient’s son to a charity, dated 4 March 2003, noting: ‘My father served in the Royal Engineers as a Signaller, the Military Medal being awarded for signalling vital messages whilst under attack... My wife and I are now 83 years old & when we pass the medals would not mean much to any-one else, so we would be most happy to think his memory was being perpetuated in such a worthy cause by helping you in your wonderful work.’