The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A Great War ‘Egypt’ M.C. group of five awarded to Captain G. G. Hills, Indian Army Reserve of Officers

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed, in case of issue; 1914-15 Star (2 Lieut., I.A.R.O.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); Volunteer Force Long Service (India & the Colonies), G.V.R. (Trooper, Surma V. Lt. Horse) engraved naming, nearly extremely fine (5) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918. ‘Lt., I.A.R.O., attd. Rif. I.A.’. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an advance. His platoon came under very heavy cross fire from machine guns, and after going about 150 yards was unable to advance or retire. He got the survivors back to the top of a hill, which was then counter-attacked by the enemy, who advanced under an extremely heavy machine-gun barrage to within 25 yards of the top. With great gallantry and steadiness he beat off the attack with Lewis guns and bombs. The enemy then tried to capture the hill by coming in on his left flank, and was again beaten back. Owing to his courage and example the hill was retained.’

George Gregory Hills was born on 4 March 1882, the son of Colonel George Scott Hills, Bengal Engineers. In 1900 he enlisted into the Surma Valley Light Horse and was subsequently awarded the long service medal. He was commissioned on 23 April 1915 into the Indian Army Reserve of Officers (Infantry) and was attached to 58th Vaughan’s Rifles (Frontier Force) from 18 January 1916. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 23 April 1916 and Captain on 23 April 1919. At some time he was also attached to the 3/151st Punjabis. He was awarded the M.C. for his leadership and bravery at El Kefr, Egypt, 30 March 1918. His release address after the war was Cadogan House, Shrewsbury. He died at the Ranger Lodge, near Machunllek, Montgomeryshire, on 22 September 1955.

With copied m.i.c., gazette and war diary extracts and other research.