The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 1)

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (F.2863 J. McFarland, C.P.O. Mech. 3Gr. Armoured Cars Russia. 1916-7) together with three Russian Crosses of St George for Bravery, 3rd class and 4th class (2), one of these gilded to represent the 2nd class, the first with some minor official corrections, otherwise good very fine, the last three very fine (4)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

View
Collection

D.S.M. London Gazette 30 November 1917 “The following awards have been approved.”

The following recommendation, dated 16 April 1917 is signed by Commander Locker-Lampson:

“Chief Petty Officer MacFarlane has been with the force since the outbreak of war. He served in the South African War (3rd Dragoon Gds. 1896-1904 inclusive of the Boer War). He has always shewn pluck and determination in France (having joined the RNAS in December 1914) and was conspicuous for his devotion to duty during the bad storm in the Atlantic when the Force came out to Russia (having embarked on 2 December 1915). He accompanied the unit, No. 1 Squadron, which went to Persia and Roumania, and has been under Lieut Smiles and run as many risks as anyone in the Force and his disregard for danger and pluck cannot be too highly praised. He was C.P.O. in charge of a Heavy Armoured Car near Viruzul and inflicted considerable loss on the enemy with Maxim and 3 Pounder, never himself taking cover and escaping being struck by a miracle.” Also “This Chief Petty Officer has been under fire more than any officer or rating in the whole Squadron. He has shown great bravery and coolness both whilst acting as a Scout, directing the driver whilst reversing into action, and as No.1 Gunner.”

St George Cross,4th Class (number 898,853) “For conspicuous gallantry in action at Braila, Romania, working under the orders of the 4th Siberian Corps, 6th Army. Decorated in the field.”

St George Cross, 3rd Class (number 252,526) “For conspicuous bravery at seven different times and places in Roumania. Presented by Grand Duke Michaelovitch.”

St George Cross, 2nd Class (number 65,360) (Posthumous) “For bravery in assisting to clear a road blocked with sandbags etc., thus enabling Armoured Cars to attack.”

The following is an extract from Commander Locker-Lampson's report of 20 July 1917, giving details of the death of C.P.O. MacFarlane: “The road along which the cars were operating had so far proved negotiable but an obstruction of sandbags and wire hindered further progress. On hearing this Lieut Commander Smiles called for volunteers and gallantly led them up a ditch to try and remove the impediment. Seeing what was being done the enemy concentrated all available artillery and maxims on the spot. Yet by lying in the ditch for lulls and then leaping into the open for a few minutes to tear down strands and bags, Lieut Commander Smiles and his men succeeded in reducing this obstacle so that a car could pass over. I cannot too highly praise the conduct on this occasion of this officer and his volunteers, C.P.O. J. MacFarlane, L.P.O. J. Harrison, P.O. G. Gardner and P.O. J. M. McEwan. I regret to report that C.P.O. MacFarlane was killed and P.O. McEwan wounded in the effort and it is a miracle that the others are alive.”

C.P.O. John McFarlane is mentioned several times in The Czar’s British Squadron, Perrett & Lord 1981, which recounts the full story of Commander Oliver Locker Lampson’s Armoured Car Squadron’s. McFarlane was one of the most highly decorated men in the Squadron and the only recipient of the 2nd class St George Cross. He was wounded in Roumania in December 1916 before he met his death the following year and was buried at Letyatin in Galicia. The Russian awards sold in this lot, whilst genuine, are only representative of those awarded to McFarlane.