Great War Western Front Military Cross Group to 2nd Lt Hugh ...

Hammer

£900

Great War Western Front Military Cross Group to 2nd Lt Hugh St. John Banner Watson, 5th Btn North Staffordshire Regt: Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914–18 War Medal and Victory Medal (2.LIEUT H. ST. J.B WATSON), mounted as worn (3). His citation for the M.C., awarded for action in the Bullecourt Sector reads "He carried out six reconnaissance in preparation for a raid, and obtained information which largely contributed to the success of the operation. He led the raiding party to the assembly position, and personally cut a gap in the enemy's wire under very heavy fire. He showed splendid courage and initiative." Taken from the History of 5th North Staffords 1914-1919. Watson was taken prisoner on 21st March 1918. Regarding his capture, the unit's war diary states: "21 March 1918: The 5th North Staffords were killed or wounded or made taken prisoner in groups, though two companies held out for eight hours, until about 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Colonel Harry Johnson was wounded before mid-day, being struck across the head by a bullet, which then burrowed down his back. Thus knocked over, he was taken prisoner, when the Germans spread over what was previously the village of BULLECOURT. Of the whole Battalion, only two officers, Captain W N Bladen and Lieut. H Pratt (of whom the former was wounded), and 33 wounded men were left. The remainder were either killed or taken prisoners of war, many of the latter also being wounded. Ten officers were killed; three officers were wounded and made prisoners; and eight officers, including H St J B Watson, were made prisoners unwounded. Total casualties, 22 officers and 539 men." Served OTC interwar; Major with Junior Training Corps WW2; awarded Territorial Efficiency Decoration. Sold with research including photocopied portrait. Provenance:Edward 'Ted' Ernest Butler Collection.