Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Second Lieutenant W. H. Flett, 1/6th Battalion, Black Watch, who was mortally wounded in the action for which he was awarded the M.C.

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut.); together with memorial plaque (William Henry Flett); together with two related British War Medals, comprising (2. Lieut. A. D. Flett); (A. B. Flett) nearly extremely fine (6) £1000-1200

M.C. London Gazette 16 May 1916 ‘For conspicuous gallantry during a bombing attack [at Neuville St Vaast on 3/4 November 1916]. Although hit several times, he continued to assist in the supply of bombs and to encourage his men till he was finally disabled.’

The following in relation to the night of 3rd/4th November 1916 is extracted from the Battalion War Diary: ‘Enemy sprung two mines, which did considerable damage to our trenches. Enemy immediately heavily bombed our trenches beside crater. A heavy barrage was opened by enemy field guns and trenches were also bombarded with rifle grenades and trench mortars. We retaliated and heavily bombed the enemy’s line with hand grenades. Retaliation kept up by our field guns and bombing continued for about an hour. Bombing posts established by us in the crater. Casualties: 1 man killed, 1 officer wounded (2/Lt. Flett).’

Second Lieutenant William Henry Flett died of wounds in France and Flanders on 19 April 1916, whilst serving with the 1/6th Battalion, Black Watch. He is buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery, France.

Lieutenant Arthur David Flett was killed in action in France and Flanders on 9 April 1917, whilst serving with the 7th Battalion, Royal Scots. He is buried at Bailleul Road East Cemetery, St Laurent-Blangy, France. The following in relation to the action in which he was killed is extracted from the regimental history: ‘... One group of German machine-gunners fought to the death, and was only put out of action by a gallant charge led by 2nd Lieuts. A. D. Flett and Thorburn, both of whom fell dead just before their men closed with the Boches.’

Photographs of both W. H. and A. D. Flett appear in the Univerity of Edinburgh Roll of Honour 1914-1919.