Orders, Decorations and Medals Including five Special Collections

A good First Day of Third Ypres M.C. group of six to Captain Thomas Arthur Tatton, Rifle Brigade

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Lieut., Rif. Brig.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Special Constabulary Long Service, G.VI.R. (A.O. Thomas A. Tatton) generally nearly extremely fine (6) £550-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of of Great War Medals to the Rifle Brigade.

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M.C. London Gazette 26 September 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an advance he led his company with the utmost gallantry against the obstinate resistance of the enemy, and it was due to his personal example that his company advanced as far as it did. During the next 48 hours he kept up the spirits of his men by his splendid cheerfulness and coolness under exceptionally trying conditions.’

Tatton was educated at Eton & University College, Oxford, from where he obtained a regular commission in the Rifle Brigade as a University Candidate 26 August 1914 [wef 2 September 1913]. He was attached to the 1st Bn. for six weeks training in the summer of 1913 and to the 5th (Special Reserve) Bn. in 1914 until the 4th Bn. arrived home from India in November when he joined their “D” Coy. & crossed to France 19 December 1914. He took part in the action of St. Eloi when his company captured “Rifle Brigade Trench” and his company commander, Captain Mostyn Pryce (q.v.) was killed. He was wounded in the head during desperate fighting at Frezenberg Ridge on 9 May 1915 during the 2nd Battle of Ypres. He convalesced in hospital at his own home Cuerden Hall, Preston (a splendid country house, now a Sue Ryder home). Promoted Captain 2 March 1916 and attached to the 13th (Service) Bantam Bn. Cameronians in the U.K. before joining the 3rd Bn. Rifle Brigade in France on 30 October 1916 as O.C. “B” Company. He was brought to notice for gallantry in the Battle of Messines in June 1917 and awarded the M.C. for first day of 3rd Ypres, 31 July 1917 when the battalion attacked Shrewsbury Forest near the Menin Road. Captain Tatton left the 3rd Battalion on 9 March 1918 for six months tour of duty in UK. He went out to India with 4th Bn. in 1919, commanding “D” Company. Served at Chaman on the Afghan border and was a member of the battalion polo team but resigned his commission in 1921. During the Second World War he was an Area Officer, Special Constabulary, and his WW2 medals are confirmed.

Sold with several copy photographs and further research. See group photograph above lot 229.