Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Extremely Rare 1898 ‘Crete uprising’ D.C.M. awarded to Private W. Guthrie, Highland Light Infantry, who was severely wounded during the action

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Pte. W. Guthrie High: L.I. (6th Sept: 1898)) suspension claw re-affixed, traces of brooch mounting to reverse, very fine £2600-3000

Provenance: Buckland Dix Wood, July 1994.

D.C.M. London Gazette 7 March 1899.

Six D.C.M.'s were awarded for gallantry during the uprising of the Bashi-Bazouks at Kandia, Crete, on 6 September, 1898. Three of these were to the Highland Light Infantry, with one going to each of the R.E., A.S.C. and R.A.M.C. The official despatch published in the London Gazette of 24 January, 1899, states: ‘The infantry called on to defend themselves, with the assistance of other detachments, against this sudden, general and treacherous attack, all belonged to the 1st Bn., the H.L.I., and behaved in a manner worthy of the traditions of this distinguished corps.’

The names of 7 officers and 15 N.C.O.'s and men were published including Private Guthrie who was severely wounded. Surgeon William J. Maillard, Royal Navy, was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry on the same occasion.

William Guthrie was born in Ayr, and attested for the Highland Light Infantry at Hamilton, in January 1897. He was discharged, 17 October 1899, as a consequence of the gunshot wound that he received at Kandia. The latter was ‘received in action at Crete 6.9.98... defending the military hospital when wounded... Bullet appears to have entered one sternal end of 1st rib passed outwards under the clavicle (right-side) making its exit on the outer side of arm 2 inches below point of shoulder.’ (Medical Report refers)

Guthrie had only served for 2 years and 239 days with the Colours, with the D.C.M. being his only medallic entitlement.