Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Great War M.C. group of seven to Regimental Sergeant-Major William Sime, Gordon Highlanders, spanning more than 50 years

MILITARY CROSS, G.V.R., the reverse engraved (Presented by King George V to No.6886 Coy. Sergt. Major W. Sime, Gordon Highrs. Awarded 14th June 1917); QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (6886Pte., Gordon Highrs.); KING'S SOUTH AFRICA, 2 clasps (Corpl.); 1914 STAR (Corpl., 1/Gord. Highrs.); BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS (W.O. Cl. 2, Gordons); CORONATION 1953, privately named (6886 R.S.M., M.C., Gordon Highlanders) mounted court style for display, nearly very fine or better (7)

M.C., London Gazette, 25th Augus,t 1917: C.S.M. William Sime, Gordon Highlanders.'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all his officers and platoon sergeants had become casualties he reorganised his company at great personal danger, crossing the open in many places under heavy fire. He afterwards showed great gallantry in restoring order under similar circumstances during a heavy bombardment. On one occasion he personally took twenty prisoners and by his example to his men largely contributed to the success of the operations.'

The following extracts are taken from the Regimental War Diary:

4 March 1917 - C. Coy left Liencourt for Arras to carry out raid.
5 March 1917- Successful raid carried out by C. Coy under Capt. W.H.S. Grant in snowstorm. 21 prisoners and 1 mg. captured, 11 Germans killed. Casualties Capt. Grant, 4 OR. slightly wounded.