Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War Somme operations M.C. attributed to Captain W. D. Bryan, Highland Light Infantry

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved, ‘Awarded Captain Wm. D. Bryan, 18th Highland Light Infantry, Guillemont, Somme, 19/8/16’, and regimental badge above, good very fine £350-400

M.C. London Gazette 26 September 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company in an attack most brilliantly, took all his objectives with the greatest rapidity, and showed an exceptionally quick grasp of the situation whilst consolidating. He shot two of the enemy himself with his revolver, and during the whole operation went about his duties with complete disregard of danger, greatly encouraging and inspiring his men. The success of the operation was due to his untiring energy and able leadership.’

William Devereux Bryan first entered the French theatre of war in January 1916, where the 18th (Service) Battalion (4th Glasgow), Highland Light Infantry went into action on the Somme in mid-July.