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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 334

(x) The '1917' D.S.O., 'Neuve Chapelle 1915' M.C. group of five awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel H. G. Gilchrist, Royal Engineers, late attached 8th Signal Company, whose bravery under fire saw him honoured in 1915 as well as receiving a total of four 'mentions' throughout the war

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel; Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse engraved 'Lt. H. G. Gilchrist R.E. Neuve Chapelle March 10th-14th 1915'; 1914 Star, clasp (Lieut: H. G. Cilchrist, R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (Major H. G. Gilchrist.), with M.I.D. oak leaves, minor pitting, very fine (5)

D.S.O. London Gazette 1 June 1917.

M.C. London Gazette 27 April 1915, the original citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry in repairing telephone lines under heavy fire, from 10th to 14th March, 1915 at Neuve Chapelle.'

Hector Gordon Gilchrist was born at Thornton Hall, East Kilbride, Lanark on 9 May 1889, the son of James and Janet Gilchrist. His father was an engineer with a shipbuilding company and the younger Gilchrist studied at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Later working as an engineer he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant with the Territorial Army and posted to the Scottish Cable Telegraph Company on 2 January 1912. Gilchrist was advanced Lieutenant with them prior to being mobilised for Great War service.

On the outbreak of the war he was posted to 5th Division Signals on 5 September 1914 and entered the war in France the next day. Attached to the 8th Divisional Signal Company Gilchrist went into action with them at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in spring the next year. This was a plan to break through the German lines at the village of Neuve Chapelle to seize the Artios Ridge. The attack was successful however they were unable to follow up on the offensive, around this time Gilchrist earned a 'mention' to go with his M.C. (London Gazette 22 June 1915).

Advanced Captain not long later he was serving in that role when he was 'mentioned' again the next year (London Gazette 1 January 1916). Further promoted Major on 15 March 1917 he was again 'mentioned' just two months later (London Gazette 18 May 1917) to go with a D.S.O. in July.

Restored to the Territorial establishment on 18 July 1918 Gilchrist was recorded serving with Scottish Troops around this time. He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel a month after the end of the war on 12 December and again 'mentioned' for the last time then (London Gazette 23 December 1918). Appointed Chief Signal Officer of I Corps he returned to Britian on 29 January 1919 for leave only to be caught there with spanish flu.

Whilst still unwell he returned to the Territorial Force on 28 June 1919 - from his hospital bed at No. 3 Scottish General Hospital, Glasgow - and returned to the rank of Lieutenant. Promoted Captain on 21 May 1920 Gilchrist was posted to 52nd Lowland Division on 12 January 1921. He was never to return to active service and instead entered the business world, joining Halley Motors Ltd. in 1921.

Appointed Joint Managing Director in 1924 he became sole Director in 1926. Joining the executive committee of the north-west Engineering Trades Employers' Association in 1928 he was Director of Bowden (Holdings) Ltd. in 1939. Gilchrist later died on 27 April 1960; sold together with copied research.

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

Estimate
£1,000 to £1,400

Starting price
£800