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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 431

Pair: 2nd Lieutenant R. P. Milree, 4th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, who was present with this unit in 1918 when their courage at the Battle of Bligny saw the whole unit awarded the Croix de Guerre, he became the last survivor of Bligny having reached the remarkable age of 93

British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. R. P. Milree.), with their card boxes of issue and two lengths of Croix de Guerre Riband, good very fine (2)

Provenance:
Glendining's September 1993.

Robert Pritchard Milree was born at Glasgow on 16 March 1897, the son of Robert and Agnes Milree. Enlisting with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, (No. S/8968) he entered the war in France with them in June 1916. Milree was commissioned on 18 December 1916 and was present with Captain Keyworth's Company at the Battle of Bligny Hill.

During this action the Battalion was called upon to counter-attack a major German breakthrough which drove the French from the key Bligny Hill feature. The Divisional History relates:

'This counter-attack was a very brilliant affair.
Though hurriedly planned and organised, the Shropshires went forward with great dash, the remnants of the 9th Cheshires being carried forward (for the second time) by the magnificent dash and spirit of their comrades. The enemy, who, having warded off one counter-attack, apparently considered himself immune for some hours from further attacks, was completely taken by surprise. The Shropshires charged the enemy and drove him well down the forward slopes of the hill, taking one officer and thirty-three other rank prisoners as well as killing many Germans.'

The unit was awarded the Croix de Gurre from the French 5th Army as a result of their action in the Battle. The special Order of the Day containing the citation for the Battalion's award states:

'On the 6th June 1918, when the right flank of an English Brigade, which had been heavily engaged, was threatened by the enemy's advance, the reserve battalion-1/4th Battalion of The King's Shropshire Light Infantry-was ordered to deliver a counterattack against an important position from which the garrison had been driven. With magnificent dash the 1/4th K.S.L.I. to the assault of the hill which had been occupied by the enemy, scattered death in his ranks and, after heavy fighting, took one officer and twenty-eight men prisoners. Thanks to this vigorous and heroic recovery of a position which was the key to the whole line of defence, it was possible to re-establish the line and maintain it intact. By its rapid advance, its initiative, and its superb valour, the 1/4th K.S.L.I. contributed in no small degree on this memorable occasion to the re-establishment of a position which had become extremely critical.'

Discharged on 15 April 1921, Milree settled in Bournemouth where he worked as an Optician. He lived for a remarkable length of time, finally dying on 22 January 1990 at the grand age of 93, a photograph in the possession of the Regimental Association states that he was the last survivor of Bligny Hill.

Sold together with original pension documents as well as a large amount of copied research.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£110

Starting price
£60