British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private R. Mackintosh, The Queen’s Regiment, killed in action, third battle of Ypres, 31 July 1917

British War and Victory Medals (G-21422 Pte., The Queen’s R.) extremely fine (2) £50-70

Reginald Frederick Mackintosh was born in Ipswich, Suffolk. On joining the Army he became 21336 Private R. Mackintosh East Surrey Regiment. He was then posted to France and joined the 8th Battalion The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and his number changed to G/21422.

The 8th Queens remained in the area of Ypres throughout 1917 moving to various locations in the Salient. On 14 May they occupied the line to the right of Hooge. On 31 July 1917 the British launched their major offensive known as the Third Battle of Ypres. It was preceded by a massive bombardment culminating in a stunning crescendo at 03.50 hrs when the assault began. The 8th Queens moved forward over terrible ground and ran into devastating artillery and machine gun fire. In this battle the British lost over 32,000 casualties, one of those killed on the first day in the attempt to capture Pilckem Ridge was Private Reginald Mackintosh. His body was recovered and was buried in the Bedford House Cemetary 2.5 Km South of Ypres. His next-of-kin was Elizabeth Mackintosh of 56, Alexander Road, Ipswich, widow of the late Mr W. E. Mackintosh.