Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private D. McCreath, 17th (Service) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry (3rd Glasgow), killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916

1914-15 Star (2773 Pte. D. McCreath, High: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2773 Pte. D. McCreath. High. L.I.) nearly extremely fine (3) £400-500

David McCreath was born in Ayr, Scotland, and attested for the Highland Light Infantry at Glasgow. He served during the Great War with the 17th (Service) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry (3rd Glasgow) on the Western Front, and was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916. On this date the Battalion served as part of the 97th Brigade, 32nd Division, during the attack on the Leipzig Salient. They ‘led assault with 16th H.L.I. Official History of the Great War records leading companies moved out from front line at 7.23am - creeping forward to within 30 or 40 yards of German front line. At 7.30 rushed forward - overran German front line and obtained possession of Leipzig Redoubt - quickly moved on towards Hindenburg Trench but heavy fire from The Wonder Work brought assault to a standstill. Withdrew to Crucifix Corner (2/7). Casualties - 469.’ (British Battalions on the Somme by R. Westlake refers)

McCreath has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.