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

A good Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of Seven awarded to Sergeant Samuel McKnight, 5th Battalion, Scottish Rifles, who was decorated twice by the Belgians and wounded on the Somme

Military Medal, G.V.R. (5330 R.Q.M.Sjt., 5/Sco. Rif.-T.F.); 1914 Star, with clasp (5330 Sjt., 5/Sco. Rif.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (5330 W.O.Cl.2., Sco. Rif.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (200014 C.Q.M. Sjt., 5/Sco. Rif.); Belgian, Military Decoration, silver-gilt, on ‘bravery’ ribbon; Belgian Croix de Guerre, ‘A’ cypher, with bronze palm on ribbon, nearly extremely fine (7) £500-600

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.M. London Gazette 11 October 1916.

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 June 1918.

Belgian Military Decoration London Gazette 24 October 1919.

Croix de Guerre London Gazette 24 October 1919.

Samuel McKnight served on the Western Front with the B.E.F. from 5 November 1914. The published battalion history records that Sergeant McKnight was awarded a card from the G.O.C. 6th Division in June 1915 ‘for meritorious conduct in the field’ and that he was subsequently awarded an M.M. ‘when it was instituted.’

The published battalion history also makes mention of Sergeant McKnight being wounded on the Somme in 1916: ‘On the 18th December the battalion moved back to Maurepas ravine. This camp was subjected to some rather unpleasant shelling, but fortunately only one casualty occurred. As this was R.Q.M.S. Sam McKnight, MM, who came out with the battalion in 1914 as a Sergeant it was serious enough. He recovered in time, but the shape of his nose was altered.’

Sold with copy m.i.c. which shows entitlement to Silver War Badge.