Auction Catalogue

31 March 2010

Starting at 10:00 AM

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British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 147

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31 March 2010

Hammer Price:
£680

Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Clegg-Hill, D.S.O., Cheshire Regiment, who was killed in action at Pip Ridge, Doiran, Macedonia on 18 September 1918

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1902 (Lieut. The Hon. A. R. C. Hill, Cheshire Regt.) nearly extremely fine £400-500

Lieutenant Colonel The Honourable Arthur Reginald Clegg-Hill, D.S.O. was born in 1877, the son of Rowland Clegg-Hill, 3rd Viscount Hill of Hawkstone Hall, Merchamley, Shropshire. He served during the Boer War with the Cheshire Regiment, which regiment he rejoined during the Great War, Commanding the 12th Battalion for two and a half years. He was awarded a D.S.O London Gazette 4 June 1917 and was several times mentioned in despatches. He was killed in action on 18 September 1918 when the 12th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment were annihilated by the Bulgars at Pip Ridge, Doiran, Macedonia. He was 41 years of age at the time of his death and his name is commemorated on the Doiran Memorial.

The following is extracted from an official despatch: ‘The 12th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment were a marvellous battalion, that has shown the finest qualities of courage, enthusiasm and endurance. On 18 September 1918, gallantly led by Lieutenant Colonel Clegg-Hill in person, it rushed to the assault of the strongly fortified position, showing a magnificent spirit of self-sacrifice. In spite of a crossfire from artillery, trench mortars and machine guns and of the loss of its Commanding Officer, who fell mortally wounded, the battalion continued to advance, making light of its heavy casualties and thereby giving a glorious example of heroism and maintaining the loftiest traditions of the British Army.’