Seven: Leading Signalman W. C. Eglinton, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve, who was recommended for the D.S.M. for his gallantry during the Syrian Coast Landings, January to February 1915, instead receiving the French Croix de Guerre

1914-15 Star (195404. W. C. Eglinton, L.Sig., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (195404 W. C. Eglinton. L. Sig. R.N.); Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued; Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (195404 (Dev. B. 4099) W. C. Eglinton. L.S. R.F.R.); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, bronze, reverse dated 1914-1917, with bronze palm emblem on riband, contact marks, nearly very fine (7) £200-£240

William Charles Eglinton was born in Pimlico, London, on 20 December 1881 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 21 September 1897. Advanced Leading Signalman on 27 May 1910, he was shore discharged on 19 December 1911, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. Recalled for War service, he served during the Great War in H.M.S. Doris from 2 August 1914 to 11 August 1916, in H.M.S. Vivid I and II from 12 August 1916 to 36 May 1917, and in H.M.S. Colleen from 27 May 1917 to the cessation of hostilities.

For his services in H.M.S. Doris during operations in the Syrian Coast Landings, January to February 1915, Eglinton was recommended for the Distinguished Service Medal, the recommendation stating: ‘... has landed nine times and carried out his important signalling duties under fire between the shore and ship with coolness and skill.’ In the event, he was not awarded the D.S.M., and instead received a French Croix de Guerre (London Gazette 1 April 1919). His Jubilee and Coronation medals were awarded in his roll as a Messenger.

Sold with copied research, including a full account of the Syrian Coast Landings, and a photographic image of the recipient.