Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A well-documented Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Captain W. Birnie, 5th (The Sutherland and Caithness) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Capt. W. Birnie.); Defence Medal, mounted as worn, generally very fine or better (4)
£800-£1,200

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2010.

M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1919.
The original recommendation states: ‘During the operations from 21-28 July 1918, north-west of Epernay, this officer did splendid work and was of the greatest assistance to his Commanding Officer. The duties of Adjutant were ably carried out by him in the midst of heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, and frequently adverse weather conditions, when the only covers available were shell holes. The devotion to duty displayed by him materially assisted in the success of the operations. During the advance on 28 July 1918, when one of the companies came under heavy machine-gun fire and shell fire, he assisted in manoeuvring the company in such a manner that casualties were avoided and order restored amongst the men who had been slightly disorganised by the suddenness of the heavy fire upon them.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 28 December 1918.
The original recommendation states: ‘For continuous good service during the period 17 September to 11 November 1918. Captain Birnie has always performed his duties as Adjutant, whether in or out of action, with conspicuous success and with untiring energy. Both tactically and administratively his services have been invaluable. In particular on 12 October at Avesner-le-Sec, he made a personal reconnaissance under heavy fire and brought back valuable information as to the situation. His gallantry in the forward area on this occasion greatly assisted in restoring a somewhat critical situation.’

William Birnie was born in Avondale, Lanarkshire in July 1889. Prior to the Great War he was employed as a travelling secretary to Sir Thomas Lipton, the Scottish ‘Tea Tycoon’. Birnie was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 5th (The Sutherland and Caithness) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (T.F.) in April 1915, and was posted as Adjutant to the 3/5th Battalion at Ardersier Camp, near Fort George. He advanced to Temporary Lieutenant in June of 1915, and to Temporary Captain in November of the same year.

Birnie served with the 1/5th Battalion in the French theatre of war from March 1918, and was appointed Adjutant and Captain the following month. After the war he was employed as a Stockbroker, and resided at The Sands, Broadway, Worcestershire. Birnie died at Evesham General Hospital in October 1979.

Sold with the following contemporary documentation: Officer’s Record of Services Army Book 439; Grenadier Instructor’s Certificate, dated 27 March 1917; Divisional Commander’s Card of Congratulation upon being Mentioned in Despatches, dated January 1919; pencilled copies of recommendations for M.C. and M.I.D.; XVII Corps orders of approval for the appointment of recipient of Adjutant of the 5th Battalion, dated 22 August 1918; and a number of newspaper cuttings relating to recipient. With copied research, and a photographic image of recipient in uniform as part of a group.