Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 386

(x) Seven: Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Grant, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch)

The Most Honourable Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.), 2nd type, Officer's breast Badge; British War and Victory Medals 1914-19 (2/Lieut. W. H. Grant); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (Major. W. H. Grant. B.W.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; United States of America, Legion of Merit, Officer's breast Badge (William H. Grant), good very fine (7)

O.B.E. London Gazette 9 June 1949.

Legion of Merit London Gazette 16 January 1948.

William Hamilton Grant was born on 14 May 1899, receiving his education at Haileybury College. He served during the Great War as a 2nd Lieutenant with 'C' Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Highlanders, arriving in France on 30 July 1918. The Battalion spearheaded the crossing of the formidable Sambre Canal on 4 November that year, when elsewhere the German front was collapsing. Thick orchards and high hedges made command difficult, though a bridgehead was soon established. When 'C' Company attacked the nearby village of Mezieres, a German gun crew waved a white flag, feigning surrender. Having lured the hapless 'C' Company towards them, the crew opened fire, causing severe casualties. Lieutenant Grant was wounded during this dastardly incident (see The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition), 5 November 1918). Such dishonourable tactics backfired on the Germans; the infuriated Scotsmen soon cleared the position, taking 133 prisoners and capturing five guns. Grant's British War and Victory Medals were delivered to him at The Caledonian Club, St. James's Square.

Grant served in Palestine during the 1936-39 Arab Revolt (Medal & clasp). During the Second World War he was a Lieutenant-Colonel in The Black Watch, and on 23 May 1944 he was appointed British Liaison Officer to the United States Army, VIII (Eastern) District, United Kingdom Base. In this capacity he was awarded the American Legion of Merit. The original American recommendation, dated 10 May 1945, states:

'[Grant] has consistently performed outstanding services of invaluable aid to this Headquarters... his untiring efforts have contributed greatly to the procurement of materials, supplies and labour from British sources with the absolute minimum of delay and confusion. His assistance in this connection during the staging of airborne units in the District contributed materially to the successful completion of the District's mission in support of these operations. Lt-Col Grant has consistently maintained superior relations between British agencies and this Headquarters and has spared himself no trouble, at any time, to perform any task or grant any request ever made of him. His selfless devotion to his work here has, at all times, far and away exceeded that which would be expected as a normal performance of duty, resulting in the highest personal respect and esteem of all US personnel and ideally amicable and efficient relations with British agencies. His outstanding performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of Great Britain and the Allies.'

Grant retired on 13 July 1949, with the honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He was awarded an O.B.E for his services; sold with copied MIC and Legion of Merit recommendation.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£300

Starting price
£280