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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 292

The M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant Archibald McDonald, 2nd Battalion, Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, whose award was announced in the London Gazette dated 11 October 1916, one of two such supplements that listed 'retrospective' awards

Military Medal, G.V.R. (6145 Sjt: A. Mc Donald. 2/A. & S. Hdrs); 1914 Star, clasp (6145 Sjt. A. McDonald. 2/ A. & S. Highrs); British War and Victory Medals (6145 W.O.Cl.2. A. Mc Donald. A. & S. Highrs.), good very fine (4)

M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1916:

'His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Military Medal for bravery in the field.'

'These Military Medals have been awarded for services rendered on various occasions during the progress of the campaign, and the ranks now shown are not in all cases the ranks held by the recipients of the decorations when the acts of gallantry were performed.'

Archibald MacDonald was born at Ellon, Aberdeenshire in 1874, the son of Archibald McDonald and Mary McCoy. He attested for service with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders at Glasgow on 28 May 1897, declaring his age to be 23 years, 2 months, and stating his occupation as 'Clerk'. Initially posted to the 1st Battalion, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion on 27 December 1897; appointed Lance-Corporal 1 May 1899; promoted Corporal 11 February 1901 and Sergeant 13 September 1903 or 6 November 1903.

Re-engaged to complete 12 years with the Colours on 10 January1905; permitted to re-engage to complete 21 years' service 17 October 1906; reduced in the ranks to Private by order of District Court Martial 31 August 1912; promoted Corporal 10 August 1912; Sergeant 5 July 1914; Colour Sergeant 15 November 1916; QMS Depot from 18 May 1918; discharged at Perth 11 December 1919. He had served for a total of 21 years and 259 days, but was not awarded the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on account of his disciplinary record. McDonald's pre-war service, all of which was with the 2nd Battalion comprised; the Home Establishment from 28 May 1897; the East Indies from 27 December 1897; South Africa from 29 December 1906; returning Home on 27 January 1910.

On the outbreak of war, the 2nd Battalion, Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders was stationed at Fort George, but was one of several Regular Battalions that had not been assigned to any Division of the BEF. The battalion entrained for Southampton on the 9 August 1914, four companies embarking aboard the transports SS Seahound and SS Bertha, and arriving at Boulogne the following day. The remainder of the battalion embarked aboard the SS Empress of India and arrived at Boulogne on the 14 August. Initially assigned as Lines of Communications Defence Troops, the battalion was amongst those which were formed into the 19th Infantry Brigade on the 22 August 1914.

McDonald is confirmed as having entered the France and Flanders theatre of war with his unit on the 10 August 1914. His award of the Military Medal was a 'retrospective' award. On discharge, McDonald is noted as returning to the family home at Stilligarry, South Uist, by Oban, Scotland.

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Sold for
£580

Starting price
£240