Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War M.C. group of three awarded to Captain R. A. ‘Arizona’ Andrew, Fife and Forfar Yeomanry

Military Cross, G.V.R.; British war and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt.) nearly extremely fine (3) £350-450

M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1919.

Robert Alexander Andrew was born on 26 January 1888 at Dundee. His father James Moncur Andrew was a farmer. He emigrated to the United States where he became a ‘cow puncher’, rancher and lasso expert (hence the nick name ‘Arizona’). Returning home at the outbreak of War he joined and received a commission in the Fife and Fofar Yeomanry. He served in turn as Scout Officer, Transport Officer, Lewis Gun Officer, Quartermaster and Company Commander, seeing service in Gallipoli, Egypt, Palestine and France.

He is mentioned a number of times in the regimental history, in the action at Beitania, Palestine in December 1917 he is commended for ‘his energy and determination in bringing up rations and ammunition over the most God-forsaken country, cannot be too highly praised.’ His name is again noted for gallantry in the action at Baquerolles Farm in 1918, where he led a successful advance over nearly half a mile. When, after an officers’ patrol reported that the enemy were evacuating the front line, immediately ordered his company to advance, thus gaining the distinction distinction of beginning the ‘Advance to Victory’ on the XI Corps front.
Shortly after returning home he had an operation on a broken nose, pleuritic pneumonia set in and he died very suddenly on 4 February 1920 at the age of 32.

Although the Regimental History shows him as serving in Gallipoli in 1915 his Medal Index Card indicates that he only saw service in France from 7 May 1918 and that no 1914-15 Star was issued. Sold with comprehensive research detail, including extracts from the regimental history,, copied and photocopied photographs and two original photographs one of which shows him in the ‘Wild West’ on horseback. Only 10 M.C.s to the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry for the Great War.