Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A most unusual ‘crossing of the Scheldt 1918’ M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant C. G. Shaw, Royal Engineers

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. C. G. Shaw. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. C. G. Shaw.) extremely fine (4) £1000-1200

M.C. London Gazette 2 April 1919; citation London Gazette 10 December 1919.

‘Lieutenant Cecil Graham Shaw, 237th Field Company, Royal Engineers (Territorial Force).

For conspicuous gallantry and initiative on the night of 8th/9th November, 1918, previous to, and during, the crossing of the Scheldt at Meersche. With his section he was given one hour after dark to dismantle a collapsible boat, carry the parts a mile across country, put it together again, and launch it.

The operation was carried out most cleverly under enemy machine gun and rifle fire. The Scheldt was in flood, but after launching the boat under fire, he paddled it across, using shovels as oars, and by tying a rope at either end, and carrying 8 men at a time, he successfully transported the whole battalion across, working all night.

It was entirely due to his courage and ability that the forcing of the Scheldt was carried without preparation of any description.’

Sold with copied extracts from War Diaries of 237th Field Coy. R.E. and H.Q. R.E., 41st Division.