Orders, Decorations and Medals

A very rare Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Bar group of three awarded to Lieutenant A. E. Illes, Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, attached Liverpool Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued, in original case; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); together with original Officer’s Record of Service Book and telegram inviting recipient to Buckingham Palace, nearly extremely fine or better (3) £700-900

M.C. London Gazette 4 October 1919 (Hunts. Cyc. Bn., attd. 1/5th Bn. L’pool R.) ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty in the capture of St Maur on 21st October 1918. This little operation was rendered difficult by carefully concealed machine-guns, which continually held up the advance. He showed great determination and good leadership throughout the day. Under cover of a forward section of artillery he attacked and drove back the enemy on three occasions, his party being the first through the village. He did fine work.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 10 December 1919 (Hunts. Cyc. Bn., attd. 1/5th Bn. L’pool R.) ‘For conspicuous gallantry and initiative at Ere on 6th November 1918. While temporarily in command of a company his patrols reported that the enemy although still in occupation did not appear to be very alert. He thereupon organised two silent raids, capturing 1 officer, 53 men, and 3 machine-guns, besides securing valuable information.’