Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The mounted group of seven miniature dress medals worn by Corporal A. W. Currie, M.C., 1st Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers

Military Cross, E.II.R.; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland; Iraq 2003-11, no clasp; Iraq Reconstruction Service Medal 2003; Civilian Service Medal (Afghanistan) 2001; Jubilee 2002; Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994, E.II.R., mounted court style as worn, nearly extremely fine (7)

M.C. London Gazette 23 April 2004:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st April to 30th September 2003.’

The original recommendation states: ‘Corporal Currie was commanding a Fire Team in a Multiple, located at the Al Uzayr Security Force Base, Maysan Province, Southern Iraq on the night of 8th August 2003 when he was instructed by his Platoon Commander to deploy his team, augmented by the Quick Reaction Force, to investigate the continued and heavy weapons fire that was coming from the Southern quarter of the town. At 2115hrs Corporal Currie’s team advanced through the narrow streets and was engaged by a Heavy Machine Gun position. They immediately returned fire and began to suppress the position.
Meanwhile, the remainder of the Multiple deployed to reinforce the Team, taking up positions to the South of Corporal Currie. A total of 5 enemy positions were identified; 2 machine gun and 3 rifle positions with an estimated 25 enemy at ranges less than 150 metres. During the subsequent battle Corporal Currie continuously pushed forward in order maintain contact with the enemy positions and came under effective fire on several occasions, from both small arms and machine gun fire.
At around 2145 hrs Corporal Currie once again came under heavy gunfire and assessing his position to be untenable repositioned his team behind a large building to give them some cover from fire. Identification of enemy positions in the darkness was proving to be very difficult and an illumination round was called for. Corporal Currie moved forward, exposing his position in order to draw enemy fire and identify their positions. Judging that shock action would have a salutary effect Corporal Currie immediately led his men on a frontal assault into heavy small arms and machine gun fire. During the assault an unexpected enemy appeared between Corporal Currie’s team and the first position. Corporal Currie killed this enemy and maintained the momentum of the assault; clearing two buildings and wounding a further 2 enemy. The team recovered one RPG launcher, two RPG rounds and three rifles with 1000 rounds of ammunition from the buildings.
Corporal Currie’s selfless courage and inspirational leadership during this action were instrumental in the success of this assault and the withdrawal and capture of the enemy who were engaging them. He led his men tirelessly, often placing himself in extreme danger to allow his men to better identify targets and engage them. For this exceptional example of leadership in the face of the enemy Corporal Currie deserves public recognition.’

Sold together with an original letter of congratulations from the Right Honourable John Reid M.P., Hamilton North and Bellshill Constituency, dated 14 May 2004.

For the recipient’s full size awards, see Lot 86.