Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of five awarded to Captain W. A. Ridewood, Welsh Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed; 1914 Star, with copy clasp (4458 Q.M. Sjt., Welsh R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (4458 Q.M. Sjt., Welsh Regt.) mounted court style for wear, good very fine (5) £1200-1500

M.C. London Gazette 22 June 1918. ‘Capt., Welsh Regiment’ ‘On his own initiative he led a patrol up to an enemy machine-gun post, which he found to be un-occupied. At night he again led a strong patrol against this post, which was found to be occupied, and after he had engaged the enemy and obtained valuable information he withdrew his men in good order. On a later occasion he led a patrol in daylight and attacked an enemy post which was found to be in close proximity to our lines. When he and one of his men had been severely wounded, he withdrew and reported to headquarters on his return, giving the most accurate information as to the locality of this post. His offensive spirit and gallant patrol leading were worthy of the highest praise.’

William Arthur Ridewood was born in 1870. As a Quartermaster Serjeant serving in the 2nd Battalion Welsh Regiment, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 13 August 1914. He received a commission in the Welsh Regiment on 12 December 1914 and was advanced to Lieutenant in May 1915 and to Captain in February 1917. Of the 33 men of the regiment who were commissioned from the ranks, only five attained the rank of Captain; five were awarded the M.C. and only one (Ridewood) served in the 2nd Battalion.

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