Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An inter-War ‘Mesopotamia 1920’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Major A. A. Russell, Indian Army and afterwards Indian Political Department

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. A. A. Russell.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, N.W. Persia, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. A. A. Russell); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (Major A. A. Russell, Pol. Dept.); Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine (7) £1,000-£1,400

M.C. London Gazette 10 August 1921 (Mesopotamia):
‘For conspicuously good leadership when sent out with his company on reconnaissance at Jubin, on 26 October 1920. About three miles out he met with strong opposition, and, taking advantage of the high ground, attacked the enemy, who were about a thousand to fourteen hundred strong, with field guns in front and at flank. After an engagement lasting for five hours he withdrew his company, bringing back his wounded, after obtaining very valuable information regarding the strength and dispositions of the enemy. By his initiative he thoroughly disheartened the enemy, and was largely responsible for their retreat on the following day.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 9 August 1921.

A replacement British War Medal, Victory Medal and General Service Medal were issued to Major Russell in February 1938 as confirmed on his medal index card. These medals are known to be in a private collection and are officially impressed in a slightly larger style of naming. In keeping with the convention at the time they are not marked as being replacements. The medals offered here are the original medals issued to Russell in India in 1923.