A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars

A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant F. G. Eliot, Royal Marine Light Infantry, killed in action at the Battle of The Canal Du Nord, 27 September 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in fitted case of issue; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Lieut.); Belgian Croix de Guerre; together with original transmission slip for diploma of the Belgian award, dated 3 November 1921; related British War Medal (Commr. L. A. Eliot); and a substantial file of documentation relating to the Eliot family, these mostly of early genealogical interest, extremely fine (5) £700-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars.

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M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in handling his transport with great ability and go, controlling the supply of ammunition, rations, water, and stores, often under fire, yet always delivering the supplies to the troops in the immediate presence of the enemy and extricating his vehicles in the midst of confusion and congestion with the utmost skill and courage. It was in great measure due to his efforts that the withdrawal was carried out so successfully.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 December 1917.

Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 14 September 1918.

Francis Geoffrey Eliot was born on 2 October 1891 at Whitstable, Kent. He was killed in action on 27 September 1918, whilst serving with the 1st R.M. Battalion, R.N.D., Royal Marine Light Infantry, and is buried in Hermies Hill British Cemetery, France.

The following is extracted from Britain’s Sea Soldiers, A History of The Royal Marines 1914-1919: ‘1/R.M.L.I. attacked on a three company front, “A”, “B”, and “C” with “D” company in immediate support. The mopping up battalions of the 190th had been held up by machine-gun fire as had the units of the 52nd Division; therefore as soon as the Ansons passed through the 190th they came under heavy machine-gun fire, especially from the Factory; an attempt was made to outflank and capture it, but after a hand to hand struggle in the Factory itself the party of the Anson, which had entered was forced to withdraw; 1/R.M.L.I. pressed forward until the fire from the factory and Anneux checked their advance, whilst both battalions were reinforced by the Royal Irish. Captain Eliot, M.C., Lieutenants McBryde, Albury and Hollamby were all killed here in gallant attempts to advance.’

Sold with copied service papers which show entitlement to 1914-15 Star.

See Lots 1133 and 1157 for medals awarded to his two brothers.