Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Ypres’ M.C. awarded to Second Lieutenant R. W. Liles, East Kent Regiment, attached ‘A’ Battalion, Tank Corps

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse inscribed ‘R. Wybert Liles, The Buffs, attached Tank Corps. 1917’, contained in case of issue with original news cutting giving M.C. citation, extremely fine £150-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brett Collection of Medals to The Buffs.

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M.C. London Gazette 27 October 1917, citation London Gazette 18 March 1918.

The following citation is taken from The Tank Corps Honours and Awards 1916-1919 and is lengthier than that published in the London Gazette: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On September 23, 1917, in Inverness Copse, while returning from his objective, the tank which was immediately in front of him received a direct hit, killing and wounding all the crew. This officer immediately ran to it, and although the six-pounder ammunition was exploding, he entered the tank and dragged out the wounded, had them carried to his own tank, and took them to the dressing station.

On September 26, 1917, he remained in the open during several heavy barrages in the neighbourhood of Glencorse Wood encouraging the tank crews. Previous to this he assisted his section commander to tape the route and afterwards lead up the tanks to the starting point under very heavy shell fire.

This officer interviewed his commanding officer on September 25 to get permission to accompany a section of tanks that were to be put into action on September 26, as he stated he knew the country and considered it most difficult. All the crews report that he was of great assistance and walked from tank to tank showing a total disregard for his personal safety. There was a very hostile barrage at the time.’