Battle of the Somme Military Cross (reverse engraved Wilson ...

Hammer

£1,600

Battle of the Somme Military Cross (reverse engraved Wilson Ratcliff 4th K.O.Y.L.I. July 4th 1916), BWM, Victory Medal with MID oakleaf and Silver War Badge No B13311 to Lieut W. Ratcliff extremely fine and better, pair swing mounted as worn. MC in case of issue, matching set of swing mounted miniatures (less SWB), KOYLI 2 piece cap badge and 9ct gold KOYLI engraved man's ring. Also with framed photo in uniform with original medal ribbons below, framed telegram from Buckingham Palace for attending the investiture dated 13/11/16 and framed 49th (West Riding) Div gallantry card with his unit listed as 148 M.G.Coy and he had distinguished himself on 4th July 1916.
Wilson Ratcliff's MC was announced in the London Gazette dated 22nd September 1916 "For gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy counter-attack on captured trenches. Though wounded, he went forward to his guns and reorganised his teams, which were losing heavily. He acted as one of the team for a gun, and continued, though wounded, until the attack was repulsed."
With copied MIC and LGs, he was commissioned from Leeds University OTC into 4th Bn KOYLI 18/6/15, landed France 1/1/16, promoted T/Lieut on secondment to MGC 1/1/17, this later backdated to 1/6/16, relinquished his commission on account of ill-health caused by wounds received in action 18/9/18. MIC confirms issue of MID emblems and SWB number, lived Armley, Leeds. Sold on behalf of the family, never before on the market. GLASS WILL NOT BE POSTED. (See photo) (½B)