TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FOOTBALL CLUB BUYS GREAT WAR ‘WESTERN FRONT’ MILITARY CROSS AWARDED TO ONE OF THEIR PLAYERS AT NOONANS

A Great War ‘Western Front’ Military Cross awarded to Scotsman Captain James Ross of the North Staffordshire regiment, who went on to play professional football for Tottenham Hotspur in the early 1920s sold for a hammer price of £1,900 in the sale of Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria at Noonans Mayfair, today (Wednesday, May 14, 2025). It was estimated to fetch £800-1,000 and was bought by Tottenham Hotspur for their collection.

Ross was born in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland, on 7 March 1895 and joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 May 1915. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the North Staffordshire Regiment on 26 March 1918 and was given the medal for conspicuous gallantry and good work during the fighting in the Forêt de Mormal on 4 November 1918. His company was held up and his company commander was wounded. He assumed command and owing to his coolness and ability the advance was properly continued and two field guns were captured with personnel complete.’

Following the sale, Christopher Mellor-Hill, Head of Client Liaison at Noonans commented: “Captain Ross, who was 23years, when he was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during the final push to victory, whilst serving on attachment with the 10th Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment.”


He continued: “A keen footballer initially with Raith Rovers, Ross subsequently signed professional forms with the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, then playing in the top division of English football, and made seven appearances for them as a defender in the 1922-23 and 1923-24 seasons. He saw further service during the Second World War in the Cameronians from 26 November 1940, being advanced war substantive Lieutenant on 2 April 1941, and temporary Captain on 17 June 1942. He died at Lasswade, Midlothian, on 5 November 1962. The collection, was sold by a private collector and included a photograph of the recipient in his football shirt; plus, a squad photograph of the Tottenham Hotspur team, 1923-24.” (Lot 22).