Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 673

(x) An October 1918 'Bridging of the River Selle' M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant A. L. Lucas, Royal Engineers, who successfully led his section in constructing four infantry bridges whilst under heavy enemy fire at close range


Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. A. L. Lucas.), mounted as worn, good very fine (3)

M.C. London Gazette 29 July 1919. The citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of October 11/12th 1918 at Neuvilly. He was in charge of a section detailed to construct four infantry bridges across the Selle river before dawn, at which hour the division was to attack. At dawn he doubled forward with improvised bridges with the attacking infantry, and in spite of heavy enemy barrage at very close range, the bridges were so quickly installed that the whole attacking battalion crossed by them. He displayed great coolness and resolution, and set a fine example to his men.'

Arthur Littlejohns Lucas was born on 30 April 1888 at Bexley, Kent, the son of William Edward Lucas and Clara Amy Haycock. He married Mary Rita Beckwith on 24 April 1915 at St. George's Church, Hanover Square, London, and was commissioned in the Royal Engineers on 10 March 1917, serving in France from 15 May 1917. Post-war he took employment as a chartered surveyor at Cannon Street, London. In 1938 he sailed with his wife from Swansea to Kingston, Jamaica, aboard the cargo ship S.S. Mopan. This lonely little banana boat was later intercepted by the Admiral Scheer mid-Atlantic and sunk by gunfire on 5 November 1940.

Having returned to Jasmine Cottage, Church Row, Chislehurst, Kent, Lucas was recalled to the Corps of Royal Engineers and appointed 2nd Lieutenant on 29 January 1940 (London Gazette 23 February 1940, refers). He died on 22 July 1948, leaving effects of £19205 6s. 7d. to his widow; sold with copied MIC and a letter from the R.E. Corps library, dated 15 January 1974, confirming posting to the 93rd Field Company, R.E., which gave engineer support to the 52nd Infantry Brigade of the 17th (Northern) Division.


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
£750

Starting price
£320