Auction Catalogue

2 April 2004

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Grand Connaught Rooms  61 - 65 Great Queen St  London  WC2B 5DA

Lot

№ 274

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2 April 2004

Hammer Price:
£1,400

A good Great War M.C. group of three awarded to Second Lieutenant C. L. Symonds, ‘D’ Battalion, Tank Corps, for an action north of St. Julien on 20 September 1917

Military Cross, G.V.R., with original case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut.) nearly extremely fine (3) £1000-1200

M.C. London Gazette 22 March 1918. The recommendation states ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty. On 20 September 1917, at Delta House, north of St. Julien, N.E. of Ypres, this officer brought his tank through almost insurmountable obstacles. In his journey he surmounted over thirty trees felled slantwise across the road before reaching his final objective, which until his arrival was holding up the infantry.

His tank was ditched on four separate occasions; but under heavy shell fire, and showing a total disregard to danger he collected material to make ramps, thus enabling his tank to reach firm ground. After the capture of the objective he covered the consolidation of the position.

The success of the operations in connection with this tank were entirely due to the great perseverance and leadership shown by this officer throughout the action.’