Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private J. Niven, 1/1st Lanarkshire Yeomanry, killed in action in Gallipoli, 13 December 1915

1914-15 Star (2159. Pte. J. Niven, Lanark. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (2159 Pte. J. Niven. Lanark. Yeo.); Memorial Plaque (John Niven) extremely fine (4) £300-400

M.I.D. London Gazette 13 July 1916.

John Niven was born at Barnmuir, Closeburn, Dumfrieshire. He served during the Great War with the 1/1st Lanarkshire Yeomanry, with whom he embarked for Egypt in September 1915, and landed at ‘W’ Beach, Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 11 October 1915. Serving as part of the 52nd (Lowland) Division, the Battalion was in action at ‘The Vineyard’ and ‘Horsehoe’ sectors on the Eski Line. The Battalion suffered heavy casualties, and had to be reinforced by the 1/1st Ayrshire Yeomanry in December 1915. Niven was killed in action, 13 December 1915, and is buried in the Lancashire Landing Cemetery.

Sold with Memorial Silk (frayed), worded as follows:

‘In commemoration of the loving memory of Trooper John Niven, 1-1 Lanarkshire Yeomanry,
Aged 21 Years;
Who Died December 13th, 1915, from Wounds received in Action at the Dardenalles whilst serving with the British Mediterranean Force in the Great European War against Germany, Austria and Turkey.

Sleep on, dear son, in a soldier’s grave,
Your life for your Country you nobly gave;
No one stood near to say good-bye,
But safe in God’s keeping there you lie.

Cormaddie,
Holywood,
Dumfrieshire.’