Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An original hand-written autographed letter from Stanley R. McDougall V.C., M.M., late Sergeant, Australian Imperial Force, together with his business card and sections of the original ribands from both the Victoria Cross and the Military Medal that were presented to him by H.M. King George V at Windsor Castle on 19 August 1918

The letter, dated Scottsdale, 8 August 1961, states:
‘Dear Sir, I am extremely sorry for this delay in answering your letter, the reason being I put it away so careful I thought, but somehow it got down behind the drawer in my desk. You certainly must have a very interesting collections, and hope like you it will be accepted by the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth, for so many to enjoy. Kindly find enclosed my autograph and some ribbons off my V.C., M.M. which was personally pinned on me by King Georg [sic] the fifth at Winsor [sic] Castle 1918. Kindest regards and very best wishes, Sincerely yours, Stanley R. McDougall’, business card with ribands glued with reverse showing, to the front of letter, punch holes, glue residue on reverse, overall reasonable condition £80-£100

V.C. London Gazette 3 May 1918:
‘For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when the enemy attacked our line and his first wave succeeded in gaining an entry.
Sergeant McDougall, who was at a post in a flank company, realised the situation, and at once charged the enemy's second wave single-handed with rifle and bayonet, killing seven and capturing a machine gun which they had. This he turned on to them, firing from the hip, causing many casualties and routing that wave. He then turned his attention to those who had entered, until his ammunition ran out, all the time firing at close quarters, when he seized a bayonet and charged again, killing three men and an enemy officer, who was just about to kill one of our officers. He used a Lewis gun on the enemy, killing many and enabling us to capture thirty-three prisoners. The prompt action of this non-commissioned officer saved the line and enabled the enemy's advance to be stopped.’

M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918.