Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private J. Liddel, 5/6th (The Sutherland and Caithness Highland) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, late Dorset Regiment, who was killed in action on the Somme, 13 November 1916

1914-15 Star (3-8946 Pte. J. Liddell. Dorset: R.); British War and Victory Medals (3-8946 Pte. J. Liddell. Dorset. R.); Memorial Plaque (James Liddel [sic]) last in card envelope of issue, good very fine (4) £100-£140

James Liddel (or ‘Liddell’) was a native of Edinburgh, and served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, Dorset Regiment in the French theatre of war from 19 May 1915. He was discharged 20 July 1915, only to subsequently re-enlist with the 1/5th (The Sutherland and Caithness Highland) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (T.F.).

Liddel was killed in action on the Western Front, 13 November 1916. On the latter date the Battalion served as part of the 152nd Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division on the Somme:

‘Attack on Beaumont-Hamel (13/11) - with 1/8th Argyll and Sutherland led 152nd Brigade’s assault - left flank being on the Auchonvillers-Beaumont Road. War Diary records assault starting at 5.45am. In the centre advance was delayed due to machine gun fire and uncut wire and the barrage lost - first German line easily carried (despite loss of direction in dense fog) followed by second. At third line enemy put up a stronger fight - 2 machine guns inflicting high casualties. With strength of just 90 men later went through Beaumont-Hamel and consolidated final objective. Relieved and to Mailly-Maillet Wood (14/11).’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake, refers)

Private Liddel is buried in Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet, Somme, France.

Sold with copied research, including two MICs which chronicle relevant surnames, discharges and re-enlistments.