Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Italian operations’ D.S.O. group of four awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel W. M. Alpine, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was also Mentioned in Despatches

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. W. M. Alpine.); War Medal 1939-45, mounted court-style for wear, lacquered, good very fine and better (4) £800-£1,000

D.S.O. London Gazette 3 June 1918:
‘For distinguished service in connection with military operations in Italy.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 May 1918.

William Moore Alpine was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, on 2 June 1882 and was commissioned temporary Lieutenant in the 18th (Arts and Crafts) Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 23 June 1915. According to his Medal Index Card served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 2 December 1915 (although his M.I.C. gives no indication that he was ever issued a 1914-15 Star, and the Battalion did not go out to France until 2 May 1916). He took command of the battalion after the carnage of the Battle of Flers on 15 September 1916, and was promoted temporary Lieutenant-Colonel on 20 September 1916. He left the battalion on admission to hospital on 21 December 1916, and subsequently served on the Staff of the 123rd Infantry Brigade in Italy. For his services in Italy he was both Mentioned in Despatches and appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. He died in Hythe, Kent, on 29 September 1950.