Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant Campbell Greenhill, 3rd Worcestershire Regiment, killed at the capture of Westhoek in August 1917

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse inscribed ‘Lieut. C. Greenhill, 3rd Worcestershire Regt., 3rd June 1917. Killed in action 10th Augt. 1917’, in case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. C. Greenhill) extremely fine (3) £1200-1500

M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid upon enemy trenches. Finding his party suddenly attacked by a machine gun, he attacked it with bombs down the flank and front, putting it out of action and saving his company from many casualties.’

This action is described in some detail in The Worcestershire Regiment in the Great War:

‘Trench Raid - At 10.45 p.m. on the 2nd June. The attacking party left our trenches and lay down in the open. Five minutes later the British guns opened an intense fire, and the raiders dashed forward, there was but little opposition. The raiders easily cleared the front trench, made their way down “Nutmeg Avenue” and bombed up and down “Nutmeg Support”.

A German machine-gun came into action and opened fire. 2nd Lieutenant C. Greenhill attacked it single-handed from the flank with bombs, drove away the crew and captured the weapon. After a hectic nineteen minutes the raiders withdrew, ran the gauntlet of the enemy’s barrage on our front line, and regained safety, bringing with them 12 prisoners.’

Lieutenant Campbell Greenhill was killed in action, along with 10 men of the 3rd Worcesters, during the capture of Westhoek on 10 August 1917. He is commemorated by name on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial