Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Major R. K. T. Nightingale, Lancashire Fusiliers

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed, ‘Captain R. K. T. Nightingale, 4th Lanc. Fus. 1918’; 1914-15 Star (Capt., Lan. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Major), mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £1000-1200

M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1918.

M.I.D. London Gazette 20 December 1918.

Ralph Kenneth Taylor Nightingale was born on 21 June 1893. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers in May 1911 and in December 1913 was advanced to Lieutenant. Promoted to Captain in October 1914, and attached to the 2nd Battalion, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 26 November 1914. With the 2nd Battalion in the trenches near the village of Wieltje, the War Diary reports that there was heavy shelling of the position on 1 May 1915. The following day started quietly but at 4.00pm. a cloud of gas was seen drifting towards the British line. This new form of warfare caught the British unprepared (the first German gas attack was made on 22 April) and as the gas reached the line, the unprotected men were choked. At the same time the Germans opened up with heavy shrapnel, machine-gun and rifle fire. By the end of the day the Battalion had suffered 2 officers and 38 other ranks killed and 18 officer and 431 other ranks wounded or gassed. Captain Nightingale was one of the officers effected and was invalided to England. Upon his recovery he was posted to the Middle East, January-July 1916, serving in Egypt, holding the rank of Temporary Major. Returning then to France, July 1916-November 1918, he was attached to the 9th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. In March 1917 he was appointed a Staff Captain with the 33rd Infantry Brigade. In the latter part of the war he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Military Cross. Listed as serving with the 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, he resigned his commission in May 1928. Entitled to the Silver War Badg. Sold with copied service papers, war diary and gazette extracts, m.i.c. etc.