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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 572

An outstanding Great War Western Front M.C. and Bar group of five awarded to Captain H. S. Todd, East Surrey Regiment, late 16th (Public Schools) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who was killed in action in the attack at Roussoy in September 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (PS-341 Pte. H. S. Todd, Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. H. S. Todd.); Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, nearly extremely fine (5)

M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1918 (no citation given). The following citation for this award is published in The Roll of Honour, Volume V, by The Marquis de Ruvigny:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in sector south of Tower Hamlets, leading his men after all the other officers had become casualties, he advanced with great dash and gallantry; reaching his objective, he consolidated in depth. He reorganised his company, and all through showed an utter disregard for personal danger. This, combined with his personal cheeriness had great effect on his men. During the whole of the operations this officer was suffering from fever.’ The Regimental History also confirms award of M.C. for this action.

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at S. Pierre Vaast Wood on 1 September 1918. He was in command of one of two companies in the attack, and when the other Company Commander was wounded at the start, he supervised the advance of both for a distance of two miles, without any previous reconnaissance. He reached his objective up to time, reorganised and gained touch with the flanks, showing great resource against determined opposition.’

Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 12 July 1918. The Roll of Honour, Volume V, by The Marquis de Ruvigny, states that this was awarded ‘for gallantry at Ypres.’

Herbert Stanley Todd was born at St Margaret’s, Twickenham on 1 April 1898, and educated at Wellesley House, in Broadstairs, and Westminster School. He joined the 16th (Public Schools) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in September 1914, serving with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from November 1915. He was commissioned with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant on 8 August 1916, and posted to the front again, this time with the East Surrey Regiment, being promoted Lieutenant, 5 February 1917, and Acting Captain, 1 October 1917. He served in Italy from November 1917-February 1918, at which time he was invalided home, returning to France in August 1918.

Todd was killed in action in an attack at Roussoy on 18 September 1918, whilst serving with the 4th, attached 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. He was 20 years of age, and is buried at Peronne Communal Cemetery, Extension, Somme, France. His grave was further inscribed: 'A CHIVALROUS GENTLEMAN'

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Sold for
£2,800

Starting price
£950