Orders, Decorations and Medals

An unusual Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Bar group of nine awarded to Major F. E. Whitby, Cameronians, late Queen’s Westminster Rifles and Hertfordshire Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, rev. of cross engraved, ‘Capt. F. E. Whitby’; 1914 Star, with clasp (2591 Pte., 1/1 Herts. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted as worn, generally good very fine; rare Atlantic Star to an infantry officer (9) £2200-2600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Brigadier Brian Parritt, C.B.E..

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M.C. London Gazette 7 March 1918. ‘2nd Lt., Lond. R.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an action. He personally reconnoitred and established posts in front of the line, continually moving up and down the line of shell holes under heavy fire. Throughout the operations he displayed the utmost skill and courage, and by his personal example instilled confidence into all ranks’.

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 20 December 1918. ‘2nd Lt. (A/Capt.), 1/16th Bn. Lond. R.’ ‘When the division on the flank was heavily counter-attacked and driven back, Capt. Whitby, who was senior company commander in the front line, with great initiative and skill threw all the details he could collect into a dangerous gap that was formed in the line, and moved up a support platoon to fill the interval. The next day he led his men forward in an attack in spite of a severe wound in his neck exposing himself with great gallantry to an intense machine-gun fire in the execution of his duties. He set a splendid example to all his officers and men’.

Frank Edward Whitby was born in 1892 and lived in Harpenden and St. Albans. He joined the Territorials in 1913 and on 1 September 1914 was called to the Colours of ‘B’ Company of the 1st Battalion 1st Hertfordshire Regiment. With them he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 6 November 1914. The regiment formed part of the 4th (Guards) Brigade. As all the other components of the brigade were Guards battalions, the 1/1 Hertfordshire Regiment became known as the “Herts Guards”. Whitby served with the regiment for nearly two years, during which time he took part in the battles of Ypres, Festubert, Loos, Somme and Passendaele and was wounded four times. As a Sergeant in the regiment, he was then posted to England for officer training at Newmarket. On 1 March 1917 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 16th Battalion London Regiment - Queen’s Westminster Rifles and on 2 May 1917 he returned to France, attached to the 19th Battalion London Regiment. He was awarded the M.C. for his services during the battle of Menin Road on 16 August 1917. Given the acting rank of Captain soon after the battle, he was then involved in the fighting for the Hindenburg line around Croiselles and Bullecourt. He was wounded for the fifth time on 28 August 1917 for the attack on the latter place and for his services was awarded the bar to his M.C. He was discharged as a Captain on 14 June 1919. Between the wars Whitby went to live in Glasgow where he became a member of the A.O.E.R. On 11 March 1941, aged 51 years, he was called up and became an officer in the Cameronians. In June 1943 he was posted to “Ships Staff - Sea Going Duties” as an Acting Major. In this capacity he served on various ships crossing the Atlantic and passing into the Mediterranean. He finished his sea service on ‘V.E. Day’, 8 May 1945, and was demobilised for a second time on 18 June 1947. Whitby continued to serve in the reserve for another seven years, finally relinquishing his commission on 15 March 1954, being granted the honorary rank of Captain.

Sold with copied research including Army Record Centre documents providing a summary of his service and also a newspaper cutting with his photograph.