The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 4th Regiment, South African Infantry

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal F. Ritchie, 4th Regiment, South African Infantry, who rescued wounded soldiers of the 20th London Regiment who had lain exposed in No Man’s Land for many days

Military Medal, G.V.R. (5762 Pte. F. Ritchie. 4/S.A. Inf: Bn:); together with the recipient’s Silver War Badge ‘SA 180’, this lacking pin, traces of adhesive to reverse, otherwise extremely fine (2) £240-£280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 4th Regiment, South African Infantry.

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M.M. London Gazette 22 January 1917.
The original recommendation states: ‘On the night of 12 October [1916] north of Eaucourt L’Abbaye after our attack that day rendered most valuable assistance in organising a mixed body of men under heavy fire and digging a new front line trench. Also brought in to safety from no man’s land under fire on the early morning of 13 October a number of wounded men of the 20th London Regiment some of whom were found lying close to the enemy’s trenches and had been there many days.’

Frederick Ritchie was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, around 1885, and attested for the 4th South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 4 September 1915. Posted to France on 15 April 1916, he was promoted Corporal on 20 July 1916 and was appointed Lance-Sergeant on 9 September 1916. Tried by Court Martial for drunkenness just a month later, he was found guilty and reduced to Private. He subsequently reported sick at the end of November 1916 and was sent to Hospital at Le Treport suffering from an aggravation and swelling to the left knee; the injury ended his campaign and his was discharged permanently unfit at Bordon Camp in the summer of 1917.

Sold with copied service record and recommendation for the M.M.