Orders, Decorations and Medals

Pair: Serjeant A. Thomson, Highland Light Infantry, killed in action, 28 May 1918

British War and Victory Medals (41202 Sjt., High. L.I.); Memorial Plaque (Alexander Thomson) extremely fine (3) £160-200

Alexander Thomson was born in and enlisted at Glasgow. Serving as a Serjeant with the 15th (Service) Battalion Highland Light Infantry (1st Glasgow), he was killed in action, France/Flanders, on 28 May 1918. He was buried in the Bac du Sud Cemetery, Bailleulval, France.

Sold with original handwritten letter to Mrs Thomson from the Chaplain of the 15th Battalion, dated 29.5.18:

‘I deeply regret to have to inform you that your son Sergeant A. Thomson was killed by shell fire yesterday and I am glad to say that I had the sad privilege of giving him Christian Burial in a small British Military Cemetery. My sympathy goes out to you in your sad loss and I pray that the consolation of God may be yours in this your hour of need. [signed] James M. Dawson, Chaplain 15th H.L.I.’

Sold with a typewritten letter to Mrs Thomson from his company commander, dated 1.6.18:

‘I very much regret to inform you that your son Sergt. A. Thomson, of this company, 15th H.L.I. was killed about one o’clock on the morning of the 28th May as a result of shrapnel from an enemy shell. He had been with B. Company since coming from the 17th Batt. and was for some time my own platoon sergeant. I am satisfied that a more reliable and better fellow we did, or do not have in the company. I consequently feel his loss very much indeed, having come to treat him more as a friend than as Officer to sergeant. I wish on behalf of myself and of his fellow sergeants and men in the company, to express to you our very deepest sympathy in your bereavement. His men admired him and feel his loss equally with myself. I know from reports I got that he was equally well thought of in his old battalion. I know it will comfort you to know that he suffered no pain whatever, death being instantanious. He was killed in the execution of his duties, standing with his men in their post. My very deepest sympathy to you also to his other relatives and friends. His effects will be forwarded to you in due course through the War Office. ... J. R. Robertson, 2/Lt. O/C. B. Co.’

Also with two photographs of Sergeant Thomson; a letter from the War Office advising Mrs Thomson her son had been killed; lids from the medal card boxes of issue; medals forwarding slip; memorial plaque envelopes and forwarding slip; commemorative scroll in card tube addressed to ‘Mr A. Thomson, 355 Gairbraid St., Maryhill, Glasgow’; a memorial card from the Provost of Glasgow; a grave registration card and an official photograph of his grave, with an associated letter; and the recipient’s book of psalms and hymns.