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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 174

(x) A Great War M.C. group of five awarded to Captain F. C. Steuart, 44th Merwara Infantry

Military Cross, G.V.R., engraved to the reserve 'Capt. F. G. Steuart. 44th Merwara Infy. 8.5.18.'; 1914-15 Star (Capt. F. G. Steuart, I.A.R.O. attd. 44/ Mer. Infy.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. F. G. Steuart.); Victory Medal 1914-1919, naming neatly erased, with M.I.D. oakleaves; Romania, Kingdom, Order of the Star, breast Badge with swords, silver-gilt and enamel, good very fine (5)

M.C. London Gazette 26 August 1916.

M.I.D. London Gazette 27 August 1918

Order of the Star of Romania London Gazette 20 September 1918.

Finlay Graeme Steuart was born at Altrincham, Cheshire in January 1883, upon reaching adulthood he emigrated to India in 1903. While in India he worked in Shipping in the cities of Karachi and later Bombay. Steuart was also commissioned into the Sind Volunteer Rifles on 24 March 1904, later being promoted Captain, a post he held until 18 May 1909.

Returning to service on the outbreak of the Great War he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant with the Indian Army Reserve of Officers on 16 August 1914. While here he was appointed Assistant Embarkation Officer, a role he performed between August-December. Posted to the 42nd Deoli Regiment between January-May 1915 before being attached to the 44th Merwara Infantry. Joining the force in Mesopotamia he was advanced Captain whilst in command of a Company on 30 September 1916.

Advanced Captain on 5 August 1918, he was awarded the Military Cross for his services in Mesopotamia, notably for dealing with the Abu Bakhait and Abu Laita raiders. The Order of the Star followed from the Romanian government for his services in Mesopotamia. After the end of the war, during a period of transition in the command of the Battalion, Steuart commanded the Battalion, he left the unit in April 1919. Notably while his British War and Victory Medals were issued by the British his 1914-15 Star was issued by the Indian Government.

Steuart married Muriel Scott at Calcutta, Bengal on 10 January 1921, he was noted to be living in Bombay at the time.

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

Sold for
£850

Starting price
£600