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Auction: 17003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 697

(x) A fine Great War 'Bantam's' D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant T. Minto, 18th (Service) Battalion (4th Glasgow), Highland Light Infantry, who refused to be evacuated after being 'badly stunned' in a heavy hostile barrage: recorded afterwards as having been wounded in action, he died of pneumonia in June 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5320 Sjt: T. Minto, 18/High. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (5320 Sjt. T. Minto, High. L.I.), together with the recipient's Memorial Plaque 1914-18 (Thomas Minto), good very fine (4)

D.C.M. London Gazette 22.10.1917:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack, finding that a Lewis gun was required, he conducted a party through the enemy barrage and brought up a gun and ammunition. The following day, when his company were holding the line and communication was cut, he twice volunteered and brought the required information through heavy hostile barrage. On the second occasion, although badly stunned and shaken, he refused to become a casualty, and continued at duty, superintending and reorganising the men. His complete disregard of personal danger and quick appreciation of the situation proved invaluable to his company Commander.'

Thomas Minto was born in Glasgow in 1891 and likely enlisted in the 18th (Service) Battalion (4th Glasgow), Highland Light Infantry on its formation as a Bantam unit by the city's Lord Provost in May 1915.

The Battalion was embarked for France in February 1916, where it fought in the battle of the Somme at Bazentin Ridge and Arrow Head Copse. In September 1917, about the time Minto won his D.C.M., the Battalion was re-titled the 18th (Glasgow Yeomanry) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry. It was subsequently heavily engaged in the 2nd Battle of Passchendaele.

In January 1918, The Highland Light Infantry Chronicle reported that Minto had been wounded; he died of pneumonia on 9 June 1918, aged 27 years.

His wife, Margaret, latterly resident at 32 Tobago Street, Calton, Glasgow, appears to have pre-deceased him. Minto is buried in the St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France; sold with copied research.


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Sold for
£1,200