Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. attributed to Lieutenant A. W. G. Smith, Bedfordshire Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in case of issue, nearly extremely fine £500-£700

M.C. London Gazette 8 March 1919; citation published 4 October 1919:
‘During the attack, while acting as Battalion Intelligence Officer he showed great skill in marking out the route for the approach march and getting the battalion into position on a very dark night. Subsequently when the position was obscure, he went forward under heavy fire, got in touch with all the companies, and established a report centre practically in the front line, sending back information which was invaluable in dealing with enemy strong points.’

Arthur Wedgewood Gifford Smith was born on 19 October 1894 and initially served during the Great War in the ranks of the 28th London Regiment (Artists Rifles) until he was commissioned Second Lieutenant into the Bedfordshire Regiment on 10 February 1917. He was promoted Lieutenant on 10 August 1918, and was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Preux Au Bois on 4 November 1918, whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

Sold together with the recipient’s original Commission document, in original addressed envelope; original Officers Army Book 439, with brief details of his service, promotions and courses attended &c.; and an original telegram from the Lord Chamberlain, summoning him to Buckingham Palace for his M.C. Investiture.