Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private H. McIntosh, Naval Labour Company, Army Service Corps, later Royal Marines, who was severely injured in an explosion at le Harve on 7 May 1915

1914-15 Star (SS-8843 Pte. H. Mc Intosh, A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Deal 8272 -S- Pte. H. Mc Intosh. R.M.) good very fine (3) £60-£80

Henry McIntosh attested for the Army Service Corps Naval Labour Company in Edinburgh on 9 April 1915, and served during the Great War in France from 22 April 1915. Two weeks later, on 7 May 1915, he was admitted to hospital with severe burns and shock. His injuries occurred that day when he was working in the hold of the S.S. Hambleton Grange unloading crates containing cans of petrol at the port of le Harve. None of the men in the hold were experienced stevedores and none had any experience in unloading petrol. Many of the cans had been damaged and were leaking, and the fumes were already filling the hold. Eventually a spark, probably caused from the studs in their boots, ignited the vapour leading to an explosion. One man was killed and six, including McIntosh, were injured.

Discharged back to duty on 29 May 1915, McIntosh continued to serve with the Army Service Corps at the port of le Harve until the Admiralty took over responsibility and he was transferred to the Royal Marine Labour Corps on 2 February 1917, subsequently serving with no. 35 Naval Labour Company. He was finally demobilised on 20 March 1919.

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