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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 475

(x) Pair: Captain A. Campbell-Irons, Highland Light Infantry who was killed in action during the attempted relief of Kut on 8 March 1916

1914-15 Star (Lieut. A. Campbell-Irons. High. L.I.); Victory Medal (Capt. A. Campbell-Irons.), very fine (2)

Provenance:
Noonans, September 2007, ex Brigadier Brian Parritt collection.

Arthur Campbell-Irons was born at Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, on 11 October 1890, the son of James P. and Kate Irons. After being educated at Blundell's School and St. Dunstan's College he became a banker, and at the time of his enlistment, lived at 3 Lombard Street, London. Attesting with the 14th (County of London) Regiment (London Scottish) on 15 February 1909 as 1046 Private A. C. Irons he served in this Regiment until 12 September 1914. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) in the 3rd Battalion (Reserve) Highland Light Infantry on 14 August 1914 he went to France on 1 April 1915. Joining the 2nd Battalion H.L.I. who, as part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division, were heavily involved in the action at Givenchy and Festubert. Lieutenant-Campbell-Irons fell ill with Measles on 3 May 1915 and on 13 May was evacuated to England.

Fully recovered he was posted to the 1st Battalion H.L I. and went with them to Mesopotamia, leaving Marseilles on 12 December 1915 and arriving at Basra on 23 January 1916. The 1st Battalion H.L.I. formed part of the 9th Brigade 3rd (Lahore) Division that was detailed the task of relieving the besieged garrison at Kut. The British launched a major attack on 8 March 1916, firstly on the Dujaila Redoubt and then on the Sinn Abtar Redoubt. The advance on the former was halted; that on the latter which involved the 3rd Division, succeeded in entering the redoubt but were promptly forced out when the Turks counter attacked. Of the 37,000 men involved, some 4,000 were killed, wounded, and missing. Amongst the dead was Captain Arthur Campbell-Irons. He was buried in an unmarked grave at Es Sinn and, as his body was never recovered, his name was recorded on the Basra Memorial; sold with copied service papers and other research.

Further entitled to the British War Medal.


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

Sold for
£210

Starting price
£70