Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Lieutenant C. G. Scott, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who was killed in action in October 1916

1914-15 Star (2 Lieut., A. & S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.), together with related Memorial Plaque (Charles Gordon Scott), contained within a contemporary circular metalled surround, with velvet backing and stand for display, and a Silver War Badge, the reverse officially numbered ‘252089’, extremely fine (5) £400-500

The following obituary appeared in The Court Journal on 17 November 1916:

‘Lieutenant Charles Gordon Scott, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who was killed in action on 29 October 1916, was in his twentieth year. Educated at Glasgow High School, he entered into commercial life in the accountant’s department of the shipping offices of the Ellerman City Line, where he was employed at the time war was declared.

Being a member of the Glasgow University O.T.C., he on the day war was declared offered his services to go to the front and was given a commission within a fortnight, and proceeded to Woolwich to complete his training with the 3rd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He went over to France to fight with the 1st Battalion of the same regiment early in May 1915, as a 2nd Lieutenant, was invalided home at the end of July with shell shock, and after a few weeks in hospital he rejoined the 3rd Battalion, which was then stationed at Dreghorn, Edinburgh, for light duty.

On again being passed as physically fit for active service, he went abroad to join a Battalion of the Seaforths as a full Lieutenant. When only about three weeks with the Seaforths, to whom he was attached, his Colonel sent him to an Army School to receive special instructions to enable him to become a Company Commander. After being there one month and receiving an excellent report, he proceeded to join a Battalion of his own regiment.

A report from his own Platoon Sergeant states that Lieutenant Scott met his death from shrapnel, a piece entering his temple, while leading his men in action. The following appreciation by a brother Officer has been received by his father:

“This is another example of a brilliant young life cut short all too soon. He would never send his men anywhere where he did not go himself, and was absolutely ignorant of fear and therefore worshipped by them. His nature was most unselfish and his whole life was devoted to others.” ’

Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including memorial scroll and War Office medal forwarding letter, dated 6 July 1922; official telegram informing next of kin of his death in action, dated 2 November 1916, and another of condolence from Buckingham Palace, dated 9 November 1916; and two or three communications and a photograph regarding his grave at the A.I.F. Burial Ground, Grass Lane, one of them a letter from the Chaplain of the 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.