Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and post war O.B.E. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant Colonel K. G. Menzies, Welsh Guards, who served with the 2nd Life Guards in France in 1914

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914 Star, with clasp (2. Lieut., 2/Life Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); War Medal 1939-45 (Colonel K. G. Menzies, O.B.E. M.C.); French Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1914-1917, good very fine (7) £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946 (Lieutenant Colonel (Temporary), Welsh Guards).

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918 (Lieutenant, Welsh Guards) ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the troops on the flank were seen to be retiring, he took a message through an intense barrage to warn the supporting companies. In subsequent operations he has displayed great courage and initiative. (Boyelles, 28-30 March 1918)’

Croix de Guerre London Gazette 6 November 1918 (Lieutenant, Welsh Guards).

Lieutenant Colonel Keith Graham Menzies served as a subaltern with the 2nd Life Guards in France and Flanders from 8 October 1914, transferring to the Welsh Guards the following year. He was present in the action at Hohenzollern on the night of 15 October 1915 when 25 Welsh Guards bombers under his command and 25 men from the 4th Grenadier Guards were rushed up to help a battalion of the Sherwood Foresters who had lost all their bombers. In July 1917 he was in command of No. 3 Company during the attack on Boesingh Chateau where he commanded the first assault wave and in July 1919 the honour fell to him and one other officer to parade the 2nd Welsh Guards Colours through Paris at the Victory March. He was promoted to the rank of Major in July 1926 and Lieutenant Colonel in August 1945. Regimental History refers.