Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. attributed to Lieutenant H. S. Ewen, 23rd London Regiment, killed in action in 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in its original fitted case, together with an interesting quantity of original documentation, comprising: commission document, dated 7 July 1916; citation for M.C.; two letters from the Infantry Record Office; three contemporary copies of letters from witnesses regarding Ewen’s death; two photographs of war memorials bearing recipient’s name; and Buckingham Palace letter, extremely fine £230-260

M.C. London Gazette 18 July 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He organised and supervised the construction of a communication trench under heavy shell fire. Though he was twice badly shaken by bursting shells, he showed great courage and disregard of danger, and encouraged his men, when casualties were caused among them, by his splendid example.’

Lieutenant Henry Spencer Ewen was killed in action in France and Flanders on 5 April 1918 whilst serving with the 1st/23rd Battalion, London Regiment. His name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.