Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Second Lieutenant R. M. McCowan, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots, late Lance-Sergeant, 9th (Glasgow) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, who was twice wounded during the Great War, and succumbed to his last wounds just 10 days before the Armistice

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (1615 Cpl. R.M. McCowan. High. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. R. M. McCowan.) mounted for display, last two renamed, good very fine (4) £600-£800

M.C. London Gazette 15 October 1918:
‘When the company of which this officer was in command was checked during an attack by machine-gun and rifle fire from an enemy strong point, he went forward under heavy fire, with complete disregard of danger, and reconnoitred the position. He then made excellent tactical dispositions and attacked with complete success. He displayed conspicuous gallantry and fine leadership, being always ahead of his men, and was the first man into the strong point, he himself throwing bombs and causing heavy casualties to the enemy.’

Robert McCraig McCowan was born in Barony, Glasgow, in February 1896. He enlisted in the 9th (Glasgow) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry in December 1912, and was embodied for service in August 1914. McCowan, having advanced to Corporal, served during the Great War with the Battalion in the French theatre of war from 26 June 1915.

McCowan was wounded during the Battalion’s attack on High Wood, Somme, 15 July 1916, and was subsequently attached as Lance-Sergeant to the 4th Battalion, Royal Scots in April 1917. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion, Royal Scots, and attached to the 2nd Battalion in December 1917. He was wounded again, 19 October 1918, whilst the Battalion was engaged in crossing the river Lys:

‘Moved into assembly positions for crossing river Lys: 12 OR gassed and 6 OR wounded on way up. Lys should have been cross at 11pm but owing to bridges not being in position, did not get over river until 1.30am 20th, crossing made by raft, footbridge and pontoon, under very heavy barrage. Objective reached about 3am. 2Lt. McCowan M.C. wounded.’ (Battalion War Diary refers)

Second Lieutenant McCowan died of his wounds, 1 November 1918, and is buried in Terlinchthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France.