Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 389

(x) A Great War 1916 Somme M.C. pair awarded to Lieutenant J. M. Sproat, Liverpool Regiment, whose Colonel described him as 'well-deserving of a V.C.', who was killed in action at Trones Wood on 16 July 1916

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed 'Lieut. James. M. Sproat. 17th K. L. R. Battle of the Somme. July 1916', in its case of issue; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. J. McC. Sproat. L'Pool R.), good very fine (2)

M.C. London Gazette 25 August 1916:

'For conspicuous gallantry on patrol. Previous to our assault he entered the enemy lines on three separate nights with a small party and brought back most useful information.'

James McCosh Sproat was born at Wirral, Merseyside in late 1895, the second son of Solicitor Thomas Sproat, and his wife Mary Caroline Sproat (nee Hicks) daughter of Captain E. Hicks, Royal Navy. He was educated at The Leas, Holyake and Rugby before leaving to study Medicine at Liverpool University in 1913. Commissioned Second Lieutenant on 29 September 1914 and joined the 17th (Service) Battalion (1st City), The King's (Liverpool Regiment).

Sproat was posted to France in November 1915 and appears to have adapted well to soldiering being gazetted into the Regular Army in April 1916. During the Battle of the Somme Sproat took an active role in scouting enemy lines at great risk to himself. The 17th Battalion took part in the final stages of the fighting at Trones Wood from 10 July 1916. It was here that Sproat was killed in action on 11 July. He was highly spoken of by the other officers of his regiment with his Colonel saying of him:

"He was specially picked out by me, and I have twice recommended him for honours. He was well-deserving of a V.C."

One of the soldiers of his regiment wrote in a letter to his father "This was when Mr. Sproat met his death. He was a true gentleman and one to be proud of".

J. M. Sproat is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, his place of burial is unknown.

Sproat's elder brother, Gerald, had been killed ten days earlier; his 1914-15 Star is offered as Lot 229 of this Sale.

This Lot sold together with a USB drive containing copied research including the war diary of the The King's (Liverpool Regiment), MIC and photographs.

For the 1914-15 Star awarded to his brother, also killed on the Somme, see lot 229.

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
£1,900

Starting price
£480