Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Salonika’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Private D. Carswell, 2nd Battalion Cameron Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7723 Pte., 2/Cam’n. Highrs.); 1914-15 Star (7723 Pte., Cam’n. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (7723 Pte., Cam’n. Highrs.); Serbia, Oblitch Bravery Medal, 30mm., bronze-gilt; Greece, War Cross 1916-17, 3rd Class, silver, these unnamed, nearly very fine and better (6) £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Great War Medals to the Cameron Highlanders.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1920. ‘He has on many occasions, shown great courage and devotion to duty. He has served since June, 1915, until the present time as stretcher-bearer. On one occasion, after 48 hours’ continuous dressing of wounded at the regimental aid post, after being wounded in the chest and severely shaken by a shell, he continued on duty. He has invariably set a very fine example to his comrades.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 5 June 1919.

Serbia Bravery Medal (Gold Medal for Valour) London Gazette 20 September 1919. ‘Conferred in connection with operations subsequent to the 30th of June, 1918.’

Greek War Cross (listed in The 79th News).

Duncan Carswell was born in Barony, Glasgow. A Warehouseman by occupation, he attested for the Cameron Highlanders at Glasgow on 6 December 1906. Prior to the war he served in China and India with the 2nd Battalion Cameron Highlanders. In the Great War he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 20 December 1914. Was wounded in action at the battle for Sanctuary Wood, 9 May 1915 - suffering a gun shot wound to the right shoulder. Carswell entered the Salonika theatre of war on 12 December 1915 and was wounded once more in April 1917 (ref. The 79th News), being awarded the D.C.M. for his courage and devotion to duty as a stretcher-bearer. Mentioned in Lieutenant-General G. F. Milne’s (C.-in-C. British Salonika Forces) despatches of 9 March 1919. Additionally awarded the Serbian Oblitch Bravery Medal and the Greek War Cross 3rd Class for his distinguished service. Private Carswell was discharged to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 15 March 1919.

With cloth Red Cross armband and copied research.