Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘First Day of the battle of the Somme’ M.C. group of eight awarded to Major C. G. Rathbone, Royal Engineers, late Royal Fusiliers, for gallantry opposite Maricourt, 1 July 1916

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. C. G. Rathbone. R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Major. C. G. Rathbone.); 1939-1945 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal 1939-45, these four officially inscribed ‘240828 C. G. Rathbone’, minor edge bruise to BWM, good very fine (8) £1500-1800

M.C. London Gazette 11 December 1916.

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He fought his trench mortars with great courage and determination, making a smoke barrage
and preventing the enemy's observation. He materially assisted in the success of the infantry operations.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 25 May 1918.

Christopher Greg Rathbone was born in May 1891 and educated at the University of Cambridge. On the outbreak of the Great War he was commissioned temporary Second Lieutenant, 8 October 1914, and posted to the 4th Battalion, Public Schools Battalions, Royal Fusiliers, where he was given the rank of temporary Lieutenant, 27 October 1914. Going with the Royal Fusiliers to France, he transferred to No. 4 Special Company, Royal Engineers in March 1916, and was awarded the Military Cross, for gallantry opposite Maricourt, on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916 (WO389/3 refers). Promoted Acting Captain, 24 November 1916; temporary Captain, 18 September 1917; and Acting Major, 1 August 1918, he relinquished the rank of Acting Major, 25 March 1919. During the Second World War he assumed full-time service in the South African Forces, 25 May 1940, and served with them in Italy from 9 July 1944 until 14 June 1945, retiring with the rank of Major, 20 March 1948.