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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 210

(x) A 'Somme Offensive 1916' M.C. group of eight awarded to Captain L. Rothery, 7th Battalion, West Riding Regiment (Duke of Wellington's Regiment) later Leicester Regiment, who gallantly placed himself at the head of his Company to capture an enemy position; duty called again in 1940 and Rothery was commissioned into the Leicester Regiment, with whom he was evacuated from Dunkirk with

Military Cross, G.V.R., engraved on the reverse 'Presented by H. M. King George V to Capt L. Rothery At Buckingham Place June 26th 1919'; 1914 -15 Star (Lieut. L. Rothery W. Rid. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. L. Rothery); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine (8)

M.C. London Gazette 14 November 1916:

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his Company with great determination, and captured a portion of the enemy's position which had resisted several previous attacks.'

Leonard Rothery was born on 12 July 1897 in Huddersfield, the eldest son of Major William Umpleby Rothery, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, the managing director of Joseph Sykes Bros Ltd., card clothing manufacturers. Rothery Sr. also served in the First World War, reaching the rank of Major.

Rothery was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 24 August 1914 from the Bradfield College Training Corps and posted to the 7th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). Further advanced Lieutenant on 15 March 1915, he entered the war on 15 April and was soon serving with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.

Returning to his own Regiment he was promoted Captain while commanding a Company on 9 October 1915, winning the M.C. during the Somme Offensive. Rothery was confirmed Captain in 1917 and was severely wounded in action in 1918.

After the war he settled in Huddersfield, marrying there in 1922 and appearing at 98 North Road in a 1927 directory. With the onset of the Second World War Rotherey was commissioned on 1 April 1940 in the Leicester Regiment managing to be evacuated from the beaches at Dunkirk. He transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps serving with them until July 1945. Rothery died in Cobham, Surrey on 31 May 1953.

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

Sold for
£900

Starting price
£480