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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 246

(x) The superb 1943 C,B., 'Capture of Gueudecourt - 1916' M.C. group of eight awarded to Major-General G. M. Fitzgerald, Indian Army, late 19th Lancers

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion's (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914 Star, unnamed; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. G. M. Fitz-Gerald.), with official correction to rank; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal; Coronation 1937, the Great War campaign medals and Coronation medal silvered, minor contact marks and pitting to Great War awards, good very fine (8)

C.B. London Gazette 1 January 1943.

M.C. London Gazette 14 November 1916:

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his squadron forward under heavy fire, capturing and holding an enemy position. Later he remained behind to rescue some wounded men. He displayed courage and determination throughout.'

Gerald Michael Fitzgerald was born at Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada on 28 August 1889 and was educated at Cheltenham before joining the Royal Military College Sandhurst. Commissioned Second Lieutenant with the Indian Army on 29 January 1910 he was served attached to the 1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment. It was with this unit that Fitzgerald arrived in India aboard the transport Plassey arriving in March.

When in India he joined the 19th (King George's Own) Lancers, also called Fane's Horse, on 11 March 1911. Advanced Lieutenant on 29 April 1912 he was to remain with the unit for the bulk of the war. Entering the war in France on 9 November 1914 the unit entered the line for the first time at Festubert in January 1915.

Fitzgerald was advanced Captain some eight months later, being directed to command 'D' Company. During the Somme Offensive he led this unit during the bloody attack on Gueudecourt which finally saw it captured. The History of the 19th King George's Own Lancers, formerly 18th King George's Own Lancers by Sir Havelock Hudson, describes the action, stating:

'Patrols were sent out to either flank, gaining touch with our infantry, who were echeloned to the rear and who reported their inability to advance. A patrol sent out in the direction of the objective was forced to withdraw, and FitzGerald, realizing the position was strongly held, deciding to hold the village of Gueudecourt until relieved by our advancing infantry.'

It was for his actions during this attack that Fitzgerald was awarded the Military Cross, this was not to conclude his heroics however and he soon added a 'mention' (14 November 1916). The next year he was appointed as adjutant, a post he served in from 9 September 1917. Fane's Horse was posted from France to Egypt on 6 March 1918 and joined the 1st Mounted Division for the march on Jerusalem. They ended the war at Jericho and remained in the Levant for much of 1919. It is likely that Fitzgerald was still there when he was appointed Brigade Major of the 11th Cavalry Brigade on 3 August 1919.

Holding this position until 21 June 1922. Embarking for Britain in November 1923 he joined the Staff College, Camberley on 22 January 1924, attending for nearly two years before completing his studies in December 1925. Promoted Major on 29 January 1926 he soon returned to India, embarking in March 1926. Fitzgerald was soon ordered to a posting as Brigade Major of the 5th Infantry Brigade (Quetta).

Returning to the 19th Lancers on 2 January 1931 he served as a Squadron Commander until 1 December when he was appointed Second in Command. Advanced Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel on 1 July 1932 while still in this post, he was later before taking temporary command on 15 June 1932. However Fitzgerald was not to remain in this rank but was soon posted as Second in Command to the Central India Horse on 15 April 1933.

Rejoining the 19th Lancers on 7 October 1934 he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel on 29 January 1936. Serving first as Second in Command at first he again took command of the Regiment on 23 March. Fitzgerald was not to enjoy this position for long however with his success earning himself a slew of appointments in staff positions. Fitzgerald was advanced Colonel on 12 October 1938 while served as Assistant Quartermaster General, Eastern Command.

Still in this role with the outbreak of the Second World War, Fitzgerald was posted to command the Lahore Brigade with the rank of Brigadier on 28 July 1939. As the war rumbled on he continued to discharge his duties effectively, being appointed Commander of the Lucknow District on 16 January 1941 with the rank of Major General. For these services Fitzgerald was appointed to the Order of the Bath in the New Years Honours list 1943. He was not to hold the appointment for much longer however as he retired in 1944 and died on 1957; sold together with a great deal of copied research including service papers, M.I.C., former action listing and Battalion War Diary extracts.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,400

Starting price
£1100