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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 663

The 'Marcoing 1918' M.C. group of three awarded to 2nd Lieutenant F. Hanson, 8th (Leeds Rifles) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. F. Hanson.), with MID oak leaves, sold together with original boxes of issue and M.C. citation, good very fine (3)

M.C. London Gazette 30 July 1919, the original citation states:

'At Marcoing, on September 27th, 1918, and at Masnieres on September 30th, he performed his duties with marked gallantry and initiative. It was entirely due to his efforts that communications were established and maintained at a critical period. He frequently passed through heavy barrages to supervise the repair of his lines and his devotion to duty was most praiseworthy.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 27 December 1918.

Frank Hanson was living at Edwards House, Queensbury, Bradford when he enlisted with the number 11/19141 on 11 December 1915. He served at home before transferring back to the Reserve on 12 December 1915, several documents in his service papers suggest that he undertook some role in horse transport during this time.

Entering the war in France on September 1916 with the 2nd Battalion, West Riding Regiment. He remained there until May 1917 when he returned to Britain to become an officer cadet. Discharged to a Commission as 2nd Lieutenant on 31 October 1917 he joined the 8th Battalion (Leeds Rifles).

The Battalion went into action at the Battle of Canal Du Nord on 27 September 1918, crossing the Canal with the second wave to attack Marcoing. 'A' Company led the attack however they were isolated on the outskirts of the village with only eighteen other ranks surviving the Battle. 'B' and 'C' companies were drawn into fighting further in the north where they supported the Guards in taking Premy Chapel, losing all their officers in the process.

The Battalion continued to make progress, advancing as far as southern Masnieres on 30 September before the end of the Battle. Advanced Lieutenant on 1 May 1919, he relinquished his commission on 30 September 1921.

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Sold for
£700

Starting price
£420