Medals and Decorations to the Renny-Tailyour Family

Pair: Lieutenant A. Renny-Tailyour, Black Watch, who was killed in action in Korea on 25 July 1952, leading “D” Coy Fighting Patrol

Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (Lt. A. Renny-Tailyour. B.W.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, together with Elizabeth Cross (Lt. A. Renny-Tailyour BW 400037) the first two mounted for wear, extremely fine (3) £2,000-£2,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals and Decorations to the Renny-Tailyour Family.

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Alexander ‘Alec’ Renny-Tailyour was born on 25 January 1929, only son of Colonel and Mrs J. W. Renny-Tailyour, D.S.O, and was educated at Wellington College. He joined the Army in March 1947, and after a period in the ranks went to Sandhurst where he was an Under Officer. He was commissioned in December 1948 and joined the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch, in Germany and served there for 18 months before returning to this country in July 1950. Lieutenant Renny-Tailyour carried the Royal colours when Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment, inspected the Battalion at Crail prior to its departure for Korea on May 6th, 1952. The battalion went into the line in Korea on 9th July and Lieutenant Renny-Tailyour was killed in action on 25 July leading “D” Coy Fighting Patrol.

In a letter dated 26th July 1952 to Mrs Renny-Tailyour, Colonel David Rose, Commanding The Black Watch, wrote:

‘Alec was killed when in command of a fighting patrol early yesterday morning. I feel sure that you would like me to tell you a little about his last hours with us. He dined at my Command Post the previous evening and was as gay and charming as we have ever known him. Several people remarked on his good spirits and how well he looked. The next morning he and I and our Gunner and Mortar officers all met to discuss his plan in detail and make all the necessary arrangements. He then spent some time with his men and they all rested during the afternoon. We met again in the evening to make sure that everything was in order. Alec was full of confidence and enthusiasm and looked so tough and strong.

It was just before midnight that he was wounded. The Corporal who was with him tied the bandage as tightly as he could round his leg and then they started to carry him back to our lines. We sent out a party to meet them, but Alec had passed away before they had joined forces. I don’t think he suffered much pain as he very soon lost consciousness through loss of blood.

One of Alec’s men made a remark which puts in very simple language what we all thought of him. He said, “His heart was far bigger that yon hill.” Indeed it was. He was courageous and gay and a most charming companion and he leaves many sad friends in this battalion.’

Sold with the following related items:
i) A pastel portrait of the recipient, approx. 520mm x 460mm
ii) The recipient’s original Commission, dated 22 December 1948
iii) Memorial Scroll (Lieutenant A. Renny-Tailyour, Black Watch)
iv) Three named bronze shooting medals (Best 303 Rifle, Best average shot, and Best L.M.G. shot) and a Black Watch bronze sports medal (Medlay Race 1950 Winners)
v) Two bronze and enamel ‘British Troops Berlin’ medals
vi) Three family photograph albums covering the pre and post war periods up to the time of his death; together with various news cuttings reporting his death in action.