Orders, Decorations and Medals

Group of five to Major S. C. O. Waring, King’s Own Royal Regiment, awarded the M.C. for Palestine 1939, bar to the M.C. for services in the Middle East, and subsequently killed in action

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (2. Lieut., M.C., King’s Own); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, the Second War Medals all inscribed ‘Major S.C.O. Waring, M.C., King’s Own’, together with original card box of issue for G.S.M., extremely fine (5) £800-1200

M.C. London Gazette 14 March 1939. The recommendation states, ‘For gallant conduct and fine leadership while in command of two sections escorting a party of 80 prisoners during an engagement with two enemy bands near Kh Ash Shari’a on 18 January 1939.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 10 February 1942. The recommendation states, ‘The 2nd Battalion, The King’s Own Royal Regiment took part in the operations astride the Damasus Beyrouth Road from 9 July 1941 to 13 July 1941. During that period Captain S.C.O. Waring commanded ‘B’ Company. The battalion attacked on the night of 9/10 July. ‘B’ Company was then in reserve. The attack was only partially successful.

On the night of 10/11 July, ‘B’ Company was ordered to capture a feature known as Pt.1455. This feature dominated the surrounding country and appeared to be almost impregnable. The company succeeded in circumventing the enemy’s wire and came up against the enemy’s first line of sangars. The company carried out three bayonet charges and succeeded in ousting the enemy from his front two lines of sangars. Five prisoners were taken and heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy.

Shortly after, the enemy launched a determined counter-attack supported by A.F.Vs. Captain Waring realised that he was in danger of losing the whole of his company. He therefore gave the order to withdraw. The greater part of the company withdrew onto Battalion Headquarters, but Captain Waring himself, with about half a dozen men, joined the company on his right where he remained throughout the remainder of the operations.

On the termination of hostilities the enemy’s position was examined in detail. It was seen to be of great natural strength, consisting of a network of sangars organised in great depth. That the company should have gained a footing at all was little short of miraculous. It was largely due to the intrepidity and inspiring leadership of Captain Waring. Throughout the operation Captain Waring by his quiet efficiency, imperturbability and unruffled good humour, set a wonderful example to all ranks.’

Samuel Carden Ondeslowe Waring, M.C. was killed in action on 5 December 1941 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Royal Regiment. His name is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

See Lot 916 for father’s medals.