Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 244

The Great War M.C. and Croix de Guerre group of nine awarded to Major S. R. Reynolds, Royal Field Artillery

Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. S. R. Reynolds. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Major S. R. Reynolds.); 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; France, Republic, Croix de Guerre, with bronze Palme, mounted as worn, minor contact wear, overall good very fine (9)

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918, the original citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he displayed great initiative. From an observation post he caused an enemy battery to abandon their guns in the open and leave horses to be knocked out by his battery shelling. Another day his observation under heavy shall fire enabled his battery to cover the withdrawal of some French infantry. He showed great initiative and courage.'

Croix De Guerre London Gazette 14 July 1917, the original citation states:

'On February 28, 1917, at SAILLY-BAILLISEL, he displayed remarkable bravery by maintaining communications by telephone and T.S.F. under a violent storm; he dedicated himself by personally carrying a telephone wire on the front line. He thus contributed to ensuring the transmission of information of the greatest value.'

Note neither M.I.D. has been confirmed.

Sydney Reuben Reynolds also spelled Sidney Ruben Reynolds was born at Natal, South Africa on 3 February 1892, the son of Sidney William Reynolds. Growing up at Greystone Manor, Newcastle, South Africa he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant with the Royal Artillery on 5 December 1914.

Entering the war in France on 19 July 1915 he served with 'A' Battery, 92nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Serving with General Rawlinson's Fourth Army he saw heavy action, earning two awards for his brave conduct at the time. Notably his MIC gives two addresses, one in Barnstaple and another in Pietermaritzburg.

After the war Reynolds returned to South Africa where he qualified as a dentist, remaining there until 1928 when he emigrated to Britain. Moving around Britain over the next few years he was living in Wigan in 1939 with his wife and children. Returning to the colours Reynolds was commissioned Lieutenant on 16 September 1940 and served until he finally relinquished his commission due to ill health, returning to the rank of Major on 7 March 1942; sold together with copied census details, M.I.C. and London Gazette extracts as well as original documents comprising:

i)
Commissioning Document.

ii)
Document of issue for the Croix de Guerre, severely torn.

iii)
Original Army Order confirming the award of the M.C.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate
£700 to £900

Starting price
£550