The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay

The superb Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Bar, D.C.M. group of nine awarded to Major Richard Carr, 16th (The Queen’s) Lancers, later Royal Lancaster Regiment, who served throughout the entire war and was awarded all three of his gallantry medals for specific acts of bravery as well as being mentioned in General French’s Despatch of 8 October 1914

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1869 L. Sjt., 16/Lrs.); 1914 Star, with clasp (1869L Sjt., 16/Lrs.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, generally good very fine or better (9) £5000-6000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918 (2nd Lieut., Ryl. Lanc Rgt.) ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy broke into the sap heads and trenches, he rallied his company and formed counter bombing parties. By his resource and pluck he drove the enemy completely out, pushing him back beyond his original line. His prompt action at a critical time prevented a much bigger attack from developing (North of Fampoux on 2 April 1918).’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 7 November 1918 (2nd Lieut. (Acting Captain), Ryl. Lanc. Rgt.) ‘For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership. He led his company forward with the greatest coolness and ability, personally supervising the advance of each post under heavy fire from machine guns and snipers, and greatly assisting the outpost company commanders in pushing forward the post lines. He showed a complete disregard of danger and set a fine example to his men (Near Paucaul Wood, 6-12 August 1918.’

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1915 (Lance Sergt., 16th Lancers) ‘For gallant conduct in bringing into cover several wounded French soldiers under heavy rifle fire.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 8 October 1914 (Lance Sergt., 16th Lancers).

Major Richard Carr was born in February 1889 and served in the ranks of the 16th Lancers for eight years, including as a Lance sergeant in France and Flanders from 17 August 1914, before receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Lancaster Regiment in May 1917. He was promoted to the rank of Acting Captain from May 1918 and was employed with the Nigeria Regiment, West African Frontier Force from April 1919 to April 1925. The Army Lists confirm that he served in France and Belgium from 14 August 1914 to 11 November 1918 and that he was wounded. He was promoted to local Major in August 1939 at which time he is still shown as serving with the Nigeria Regiment.