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Auction: 7022 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 377

A Good Great War 1918 Egyptian Expeditionary Force M.C. Group of Five to Lieutenant C.W. Statham, Machine Gun Corps and Gloucestershire Regiment Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (12002 Sjt. C.W. Statham Glouc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. C.W. Statham.), good very fine, together with a number of copied newspaper cuttings of the recipient, and three photographic images of the him by the Sphinx in Egypt (4) Estimate £ 800-1,000 M.C. London Gazette 2.4.1919 T./2nd Lt. Cuthbert William Statham, M.G. Corps (Egypt). The Citation, published in the London Gazette 10.12.1919, states: ´For conspicuous gallantry, initiative and dash in the attack on the Tabsor and Et Tireh defences on 19 September 1918. He repeatedly went forward under heavy fire to reconnoitre the best line of advance. When the final objective had been reached he at once brought his guns into action on the position under close range fire, exposing himself freely while selecting the best gun positions and directing his fire to the greatest advantage. His fire was largely instrumental in breaking up the enemy who were massing for a counter attack against the exposed left flank of the infantry and his bold and skilful handling of his guns undoubtedly saved a very critical situation.´ Lieutenant Cuthbert William Statham, M.C., born Charlton Park, Cheltenham, April 1895; enlisted in the 7th (Service) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, 7.9.1914; promoted Corporal, 29.10.1914; Sergeant, 13.3.1915; served with the Battalion at Gallipoli, 12.6-30.9.1915, and took part in the disastrous attack on Chanak Bair, 8.8.1915: going into action almost 1000 men strong, the Battalion was almost wiped out, and only 181 men answered the roll-call that evening; posted to 3rd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, 2.3.1916; served as 1st Class Machine Gun Instructor to the Battalion; Posted as Sergeant to Machine Gun Corps at Grantham, 15.3.1917; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, 26.7.1917; joined 229 Company at Deir-el-Balah, Egypt, 27.9.1917; present at the 3rd Battle of Gaza, Junction Station, and Nabi Samwell; Promoted Lieutenant, 21.3.1919.

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£1,500