An outstanding Great War M.C. and Bar group of four awarded to Lieutenant H. W. E. Williamson, 172nd Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, late Honourable Artillery Company

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse of the cross inscribed ‘2/Lieut., 172 Tunnelling Coy. R.E., Ypres 5-10-15. Bar Oct-Nov 1918’; 1914 Star, with clasp (1090 Pte., H.A.C.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.) nearly extremely fine (4) £1200-1500

M.C. London Gazette 4 November 1915: ‘Second Lieutenant Harold William Eustace Williamson, 172nd Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, late The Honourable Artillery Company, Territorial Force. For conspicuous gallantry and ability on 5th October, 1915, near Ypres. Finding the far end of a mine gallery full of water, he waded down it alone and discovered a German listening apparatus, which he removed. He then disconnected the wire, waded on, and discovered that the enemy had holed through into our gallery. After obtaining explosives, he re-entered the gallery with a small party, laid a charge, exploded it, and successfully closed the gallery. His small party were fired on and returned the fire.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 2 April 1919; citation 10 December 1919: ‘Lieut., 172nd Tunnlg. Coy. R.E. He has done exceptionally good work with the brigade investigation parties in forward areas from 3rd October, 1918, to 16th November, 1918, and especially on 29th October in the neighbourhood of Haspres and Saulzoir railway stations. He located three mines and succeeded in removing the delay-action fuzes, although knowing from the condition of the first that the others were liable to explode at any moment.’

Harold William Eustace Williamson served with the 1st Honourable Artilley Company in France from 5 August 1914 until March 1915, when he was commissioned into the Royal Engineers. Sold with extracts from Tunnellers by Grieve and Newman.