The Collection of Medals Formed By Dr A W Stott

A Great War M.C. and Bar group of eight awarded to Captain Edward Fairhurst, 8th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers
Eight: Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. E. Fairhurst, Lan. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Capt.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, together with original M.I.D. Certificate, 42nd Divisional citation card and companion set of eight miniature dress medals, good very fine (16)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed By Dr A W Stott.

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M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His grip of the situation and example of courage and leadership contributed greatly to the success of the operations. His behaviour throughout under trying conditions was worthy of the highest praise.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 8 March 1919: ‘During a night attack on 23rd October, 1918, near Vertigneul, he showed great courage and devotion to duty in obtaining information of the greatest importance. At a time when communication could not be maintained he fearlessly pushed forward from Bn. H.Q. to ascertain the dispositions of the Battalion. He not only accurately ascertained that his Battalion was on its final objective, but was also able to report the position of the Bn. on the right. He rendered very valuable service.’

Edward Fairhurst was commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers and went to the 1/8th Battalion in Gallipoli in October 1915. He served in Egypt from January 1916 and was mentioned in despatches London Gazette 6 July 1917, for his services with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. He became Adjutant of the 1/8th from September 1916, and served in France from March 1917 until the end of the war. In 1940 he joined the Home Guard but rejoined the Army in June 1941. He went overseas soon after ‘D’ Day with Civil Affairs, and was in the Ardennes fighting until he was discovered to be over fifty when he was sent back home. He subsequently became Adjutant of the 59th Surrey Home Guard. Captain Fairhurst died aged 72 years on 24 April 1967.