The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Warrant Officer’s’ M.C. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class II A. Smith, 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who later distinguished himself with the 2nd Battalion at the Crossing of the Somme, 25 March 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek unofficial rivets between first and second clasps (5676 Cpl. A. Smith. Middlesex Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5676 Corpl: A. Smith. Middlesex Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (L-5676 Sjt. A. Smith. 4/Midd’x R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (L-5676 W.O. Cl.2 A. Smith. Midd’x R.) mounted as worn, traces of verdigris to Star, nearly very fine (6) £1,800-£2,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Provenance: Bought Spink, November 1966.

M.C. London Gazette 27 July 1916, citation published 19 August 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He organised working parties under heavy fire and consolidated the position captured.’

Albert Smith attested for the Middlesex Regiment, and served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War, and as a Sergeant with the 4th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914. He was Mentioned in Field Marshal French’s Despatch of 20 November 1914 (London Gazette 17 February 1915), and being advanced Company Sergeant Major, was awarded the Military Cross in 1916.

Smith subsequently transferred to the 2nd Battalion, and received an 8th Division Parchment Certificate for Gallant Conduct and Devotion to Duty from the General Officer Commanding for his gallantry at the Crossing of the Somme on 25 March 1918, the citation stating: ‘In the fighting between the River Somme and the River Avre from 23rd March to 2nd April 1918, Company Sergeant Major Smith displayed most conspicuous gallantry, devotion, and initiative. During the operations of 25th March the greater part of his Company was cut off from the remainder and during the absence of the Company Commander, Company Sergeant Major Smith collected about 100 other ranks of the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment and together with the remainder of the Company reorganised the defence. He remained in command of half of the newly organised Company, and it was owing to his able leadership and splendid initiative that the remainder of his Company was enabled to withdraw under the covering fire of his two platoons.’

Sold with the recipient’s original Mentioned in Despatches Certificate, and 8th Division Parchment Certificate.