Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part III)

A Great War M.C. group of four to Major F. W. Heys, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Major); Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., hallmarks for London 1919, complete with top bar, nearly extremely fine and better (4) £800-1000

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918. ‘Capt., A.& S. Highrs’. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty throughout six days’ fighting, commencing on the first day of the enemy attack, when, the battalion on his left being driven back, he organised defensive flanks, personally supervising the work under heavy fire. All through the fighting his fine example cheered and encouraged the men’.

Francis Wilson Heys, appointed a Lieutenant in 1897 and Captain in 1900, originally served in the 3rd Renfrewshire Volunteers, which later became part of the 6th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He served with them until 1906 and was then placed on the Reserve of Officers. Recalled to the colours during the Great War, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war in 1917. As a Captain with the 7th battalion he was mentioned in the War Diaries for 23 March 1918 as holding a position in front of the main line with two companies at Warlencourt. He attained the rank of Major in 1920. Sold with copied research which shows entitlement to the Territorial Force War Medal.