Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 248

(x) British War Medal 1914-20 (L/Cpl. G. C. Mc.Kessack. 4th S.A.I.), very fine

George Cumming McKessack was born around 1875 at Inverness, Scotland, and witnessed three years of pre-war service with the 3rd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, followed by active duty with the Klerksdorp Town Guard during the Boer War. Attesting for the 4th South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 9 September 1915, he was appointed Lance Corporal on 27 September 1915 and sent from England to Alexandria, Egypt on 31 December 1915. Transferred to France on 16 April 1916, he disembarked at Marseilles but soon found himself in trouble with his superiors when placed in charge of a picquet for allowing his comrades to smoke on duty he was temporarily deprived of his Lance Corporal stripe.

On 20 June 1916, McKessack was attached to 28th Company, Machine Gun Corps. He was wounded in action on 19 July 1916 suffering a gunshot wound to the left thigh, and was sent to No. 9 General Hospital at Rouen. Evacuated to England and the South African Hospital at Richmond Park, he was discharged a month later. The wound led to him being declared permanently unfit for further war service at Bordon on 5 May 1917. Described as 'a very reliable man in every way,' and having served for a time as Assistant Company Accountant in the 4th S.A.I., it is likely that he resumed his previous career as a bank manager at his intended future place of residence, Mains of Albes, Forres, Scotland; sold with copied service record.


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
£150

Starting price
£10