Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Captain R. S. Fletcher, Northumberland Fusiliers, who was killed in action at Ypres on 1 November 1914

1914 Star, with clasp (Capt: R. S. Fletcher. North’d Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. S. Fletcher.); Memorial Plaque (Roland Sackville Fletcher) nearly extremely fine (4) £400-£500

Roland Sackville Fletcher was born on 24 March 1882 and was educated at Charterhouse School. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment in 1900, and transferred to the 5th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, in 1901. Promoted Lieutenant in 1902, he was seconded for service with the Northern Nigeria Regiment as part of the West African Frontier Force from 1904 to 1910. Whilst in Nigeria he took a great interest in the Nigerian language and customs and published a book entitled ‘Hansa Sayings and Folklore.’ He also published numerous articles on his experiences in Nigeria in Blackwoods Magazine.

Promoted Captain in 1912, on the outbreak of the Great War Fletcher was commanding a Company of the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, and proceeded with them to France on 29 October 1914. On 1 November he was detailed with his Company to help hold Wytschaste near Ypres, against overwhelming force of the enemy. He was seen to fall at the head of his men, early that morning. His body was never recovered. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. His brother, Lieutenant H. W. Fletcher, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in Action in Gaza in 1917.

Sold with copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient.

For the recipient’s brother’s medals, see Lot 197.