“TRENCH RAIDING PARTY” 2nd AWARD BAR
To:
Cpl-2nd Lt-Capt, W.G. GIBSON, 2nd Royal West Surrey Rgt.
(Previously , Cpl L-9246) The “L” prefix denotes a pre-war regular volunteer soldier.
With Two Superb battle citations.
(NOTE) Trench raid awards are particularly desirable as these awards were made to men who took party in some of the most challenging and violent
events. Close combat “hand to hand” action with the enemy was by its sheer nature a very bloody & gory business where bayonets, daggers, trench clubs
and firearms were used at close quarters with predictable results. Just how some of our men survived is in itself a miracle.
[THE MEDAL]
Single Military Cross & Bar with excellent contemporary engraved naming in three lines with small flourishes above and below.
—“”—
CAPt. W.G.GIBSON
AWARDED 2nd APRIL 1917
RECEIVED 16th MARCH 1918
—“”—
*Also entitled to a 1914 Star & Bar Trio”
[BIOGRAPHY]
William George Gibson was from Theale, near Reading in Berkshire & joined the 2nd Queens as a regular soldier in about September 1907.
Prior to the Great War he was serving with 2nd Battalion in Pretoria, South Africa, with a return to England on 19th September. He sailed for Belgium on 4th October and landed at Zeebrugge, Belgium on 6th October 1914. He rose from the ranks to gain a commission on 26th February 1917 and was twice decorated with the M.C. for his great gallantry in action.
He was the “C” Company 2/West Surrey Commanding Officer.
[CITATION] (Battle of Croiselles)
Military Cross. London Gazette 26th May 1917.
2nd Lt W.G. GIBSON. 2/ROYAL WEST SURREY Rgt.
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his platoon
forward to a position from where they were able to keep down the enemy’s fire, thus enabling the rest of the line to advance to their objective”
[CITATION] Bar to Military Cross. London Gazette 24th September 1918
2nd Lt (Act Captain) WILLIAM GEORGE GIBSON. M.C. 2/ROYAL WEST SURREY Rgt.
“ For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in organising and commanding a raiding party. Thanks to his able preparations, the raiding party was assembled close to their objective unseen, and got into the enemy’s trenches, securing nine prisoners and inflicting considerable casualties, finally withdrawing with only one casualty. The absolute precision with which the whole operation was carried out afforded proof of the marked ability and fine leadership of this officer”
(M.C. GAZETTED 26th May 1917).
The Medal and Bar are both superb EF with original ribbon.
A really lovely Royal West Surrey’s “Double M.C.” awarded to a man who rose from the ranks to become a twice battle decorated office of outstanding quality & capability....Do you have his 1914 Trio?
SOLD