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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 352

A Great War M.C. group of five awarded to Lieutenant S. J. Sheldon, Royal Army Service Corps, attached Camel Transport Corps, who was commended for saving the life of Colonel Woodside in Cairo in March 1919 and latterly became Lieutenant-Colonel of the Lancashire Fusiliers, Home Guard during the Second World War

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (T-352 Sjt. S. Sheldon. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. S. J. Sheldon.); Defence Medal 1939-45, with 'Imperial Service' Badge, polished, nearly very fine (5)

M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1919.

Stephen John Sheldon was born on 17 February 1892 at Wigan and was living at Hulme upon his joining the Territorial Army in April 1909. He earned Certificates No. 1 and 2 for his service with the Lancashire Fusilier Brigade, East Lancashire Division Transport and Supply Column in April 1912. Upon the outbreak of the Great War, he served in Egypt with the Army Service Corps from 10 September 1914 and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 11 April 1917. Having earned his M.C. whilst serving with the Camel Transport Corps and also being 'mentioned' (London Gazette 22 January 1919, refers), he was highly commended for a gallant action once the Great War had come to an end. An original letter from Brigadier-General Massy gives further detail:

'Colonel Woodside has brought to my knowledge your gallant behaviour on March 8th [1919] when you went out unarmed from The Continental Hotel Cairo and rescued him from a savage and fanatical mob. He was almost unconscious and must have been killed but for your bravery. I wish to express my very high appreciation of your conduct which I have brought to the notice of Major General Watson Commanding The Cairo District.'

Woodside also wrote of his appreciation. Sheldon claimed his Medals in March 1924 (the 1914-15 Star being issued '...as "S" only') but returned to the fold with the Home Guard during the Second World War, when he commanded the Lancashire Fusilier Detachment. This saw him and his men called to action during the heat of the Manchester and Salford Blitz in December 1940. He died in 1964; sold together with a quantity of original material including Commissioning Document, letters related to his service and photographs.

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Sold for
£950

Starting price
£480