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Auction: 22101 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 561

An interesting Medaille Militaire attributed to 2/Lieutenant Brian Glover, Royal Flying Corps late Royal Engineers, recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal before falling victim to the infamous 'Eagle of Lille', German fighter 'ace' Max Immelmann, in the spring of 1916

France, Republic, Medaille Militaire, silver and enamel with trophy suspension, contained in original damaged box of issue with old typed attribution pasted to inside lid, damage to obverse blue enamel as often encountered, otherwise extremely fine

Brian Edward Glover, born in 1894 and a native of Lewes in Sussex, served in France from November 1914 with the Royal Engineers, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in action during the autumn of 1915, his citation stating: 'For conspicuous gallantry from 21st September to 1st October 1915 between les Brébis and Loos, constantly employed on carrying dispatches and operation orders over roads under heavy shellfire, and never failed to deliver his messages' (London Gazette 16 November 1915, refers) and he was later additionally honoured by the French Government: 'The President of the French Republic has bestowed the decoration 'Medaille Militaire' on 29640 Corporal Brian Edward Glover, 47th Div. Signal Company, Royal Engineers, in recognition of distinguished service during the campaign' (London Gazette 24 February 1916, refers). The typed note accompanying this medal give further clues as to Glover's heroic actions which led to these awards: He was also presented by Sir D. Haig with the high French distinction - the Medaille Militaire. The act which gained him this double honour also saved two French battalions from being cut off by the Germans. He volunteered to take a verbal message to Gen. Castelnau warning him of his position. Though the journey was made under heavy fire, he succeeded in his mission and the battalions were withdrawn in time

Successfully applying to join the Royal Flying Corps in 1915, sadly Glover - like many young officers in this dangerous arm of service - did not last long. As a member of No. 8 Squadron, on 15 March 1916 he was acting as Observer in a BE2c piloted by Lt. G.D.J. Grune when they were singled-out by the 17-kill 'ace' Oberleutnant Max Immelmann. Witnesses saw their plane crash out-of-control near Pelves and both men are buried in Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Harcourt, France. Glover is additionally remembered on the Lewes War Memorial on Lewes High Street, Sussex.

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Sold for
£240

Starting price
£120