Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Second War 1945 ‘North West Europe’ M.C. awarded to Captain T. S. Wylie, Highland Light Infantry, who died in Palestine, 1 January 1946

Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’ and additionally privately engraved ‘Captain Stewart Wylie, Walle, 19th. April.’, in Royal Mint case of issue in outer card box, extremely fine £600-£800

M.C. London Gazette 23 August 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’

The original recommendation states: ‘At Walle on 19th April 1945, the leading section of Lieutenant Wylie’s platoon was pinned down by intense small arms fire at close range as it passed over an open crest. Lieutenant Wylie immediately and personally led another section in an attack which forced the enemy to withdraw slightly, and allowed the original section to adopt a better position. In this action Lieutenant Wylie was wounded twice in the right leg and once in the hand.
Despite these he continued to make active preparations to lead a further attack on the enemy, until receipt of orders to withdraw slightly and consolidate, and for himself to report to the Regimental Aid Post. He insisted however, on first carrying out the rearrangement himself, and in spite of his wounds and very hot fire he moved round his platoon calling men individually in a most heartening manner and moving them as opportunity offered until all were satisfactorily disposed.
Finally, loss of blood compelled him to give in but he refused to be evacuated until he had handed over to his platoon Sergeant in every detail. By this time he was unable to move and was finally carried away chaffing and cheering the other wounded and bringing confidence to all who saw him. This officer’s skill and devotion to duty were beyond all praise.’

Thomas Stewart Wylie was born in Prestwick, Ayrshire, in 1923 and was educated at Perth Academy. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry on 28 November 1942, and served with the 1st Battalion during the Second World War in North West Europe post D-Day, being awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at Walle on 19 April 1945. Advanced Captain, he subsequently served in post-War Palestine, and died on 1 January 1946. He is buried in Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel.

Sold with a War Office letter to the recipient’s mother regarding the award of the M.C., including the recommendation; a photograph of the recipient and of his grave; a copy of The Young Barbarian, the Perth Academy Magazine, announcing both the recipient’s M.C. and his death; and a map of Fife, Kinross, Clackmannan and Perth, annotated by the recipient.