The Collection of Medals to the Wiltshire Regiment formed by the late Michael Hayward

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant H. Tinley, Wiltshire Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed; 1914-15 Star (5869 Pte., R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.) nearly extremely fine (4) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Wiltshire Regiment formed by the late Michael Hayward.

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M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918. ‘Lt Hugh Tinley, Wilt. R., Spec. Res.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The central guns of his battery were deployed to the left flank along a ridge. When the enemy made a determined flank attack, in spite of the battery presenting a most conspicuous target and the terrific machine-gun fire, he assisted in getting the guns into position, rapidly opened fire and forced the enemy to retire. Later, he covered the withdrawal of the infantry until all his ammunition was expended. He was finally wounded.’

Hugh Tinley was born in Malmesbury, Wiltshire on 31 March 1893. A Business Manager by occupation, he volunteered for the Royal Fusiliers on 24 November 1914 and as a Private in the 19th Battalion Royal Fusiliers he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 14 November 1915. He remained in France until March 1916 and was discharged to a commission in August 1916, being posted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Regiment in September 1916. Returning to the Western Front in October 1916, he was posted to a Trench Mortar Battery in February 1917. Promoted to Lieutenant in February 1918. On 25 March 1918, attached to the 7th Trench Mortar Battery, he was wounded in action - receiving bullet wounds to both thighs; for his bravery and leadership in action on that day he was awarded the Military Cross. He relinquished his commission in April 1920. As a retired Nurseryman, living at Greenacres, Hurston Lane, Storrington, Sussex, Tinley died on 17 June 1978.

With a folder of research including service papers, m.i.c., war diary and gazette extracts.