Medals to The Gordon Highlanders and Associated Units from the Collection of A.J. Henderson

A fine Great War M.C. and Bar group of three awarded to Major R. Shiell, 19th Canadian Infantry, late 48th Highlanders of Canada, who among other feats successfully fended off an enemy tank attack near Cambrai

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar; British War and Victory Medals (Major) extremely fine (3) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to The Gordon Highlanders and Associated Units from the Collection of A.J. Henderson.

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M.C. London Gazette 2 December 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his platoon was held up by an enemy strong point, this Officer, quickly grasping the situation, rallied his men and led a successful rush. He set a fine example to his men, and was largely responsible for their accomplishment of the task allotted.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 8 March 1919: ‘For marked gallantry and devotion to duty north-east of Cambrai. He was in reserve at the time, and, finding that the troops who were advancing on his right flank were becoming disorganised and retiring owing to hostile tanks advancing in counter-attack, on his own initiative personally led his company, along with two platoons of another company, to the high ground forward and engaged the tanks with concentrated Lewis gun fire, killing the enemy who were advancing and causing the tanks to retire.’

Robert Shiell was born at Brechin, Scotland in June 1880 and was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond, Perthshire, where he captained the junior school and won his colours at cricket. Qualifying as an accountant, he worked in Edinburgh until 1909, when he transferred to the Toronto firm of Clarkson, Gordon and Dilworth, becoming a resident partner of the company.

Appointed to a commission in the 48th Highlanders of Canada, Shiell served in Canada until 1916 - the Home Battalion of the regiment was reorganised into two Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, namely the 92nd and 134th Battalions, Shiell being attached to the latter unit as a Major. In August 1916 he arrived in England, and dropping to the rank of Captain to obtain a posting to France, he was ultimately transferred to the 19th (1st Central Ontario) Battalion of the C.E.F. As evidenced by the above citations, he went on to serve with distinction, his first M.C. being won for an action at Fransart on 16 August 1918, and the Bar for great initiative and bravery against enemy tanks near Cambrai shortly afterwards.

Shiell was discharged in March 1919, returned to Canada, and took an active part in the social life of Toronto. He died at Westmount in February 1927, aged only 47 years.