Orders, Decorations and Medals

Pair: Second Lieutenant T. C. Hine, 20th (Public Schools) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, killed in action on 20 July 1916

British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.) good very fine (2) £160-200

Thomas Charles Hine was born in South Cave, near Hull, East Yorkshire on 16 May 1885. A Schoolmaster by occupation, living at Winkham House, Farnham Surrey, he enlisted at Westminster on 16 September 1914. Posted as a Private in the 20th (Public Schools) Battalion Royal Fusiliers, he attained the rank of Sergeant on 18 November 1914. He was discharged on being granted a commission in the battalion on 1 May 1915. He was reported ‘missing’ in the attack on High Wood on 20 July 1916 undertaken by the 1st Cameronians and 5th Scottish Rifles, with the 20th Royal Fusiliers being in support and the 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers being in reserve. Enquiries resulted in the eventual conclusion that 2nd Lieutenant Hines had been killed that day. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Sold with 37 copied sheets of service papers, letters etc. The action at High Wood was later a cause of public outcry. Robert Graves in the first edition of Goodbye to all that refers to the officers and men fleeing the battle. After further consultation, Graves changed the entry in the 1924 edition to ‘some brave men of the 20th held their position’. The 20th Battalion War Diary entry for the day (copied extract with lot) gives ample testament to the bravery of the unit in gaining and holding their position until relieved; listing by name 4 officers killed, 3 officers missing believed killed, 1 officer (Hines) missing, 7 officers wounded and 375 ‘other ranks’ killed, wounded and missing’.