Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War September 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain R. J. Keates, Royal Garrison Artillery, who was killed in action near Albert on 20 August 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. J. Keates.) nearly extremely fine (3) £600-£800

M.C. London Gazette 27 October 1917 (citation published 18 March 1918):
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a heavy gas shell bombardment a dug-out was hit by a gas shell and a man was buried. He at once went to the dug-out, which was full of gas, and extricated the wounded man. Owing to the darkness he had to remove his respirator in the dug-out. Though suffering from gas, he superintended the removal of the wounded man under the most intense fire. His courageous action undoubtedly saved the man’s life.’

Richard John Keates was born at Acock’s Green, Birmingham, on 12 October 1879 and was educated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham. He joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Army Auxiliary Corps Branch, in November 1914, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery in March 1917. He served during the Great War on the Western Front from May 1917, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at Boesinghe in September 1917. He was advanced to Captain and appointed Adjutant, 23rd Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery, in January 1918, and was killed in action on the Western Front near Albert on 20 August 1918. He is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.

Following his death his Commanding Officer, Colonel Budgen, D.S.O., wrote: ‘I cannot tell you what a loss he will be to the whole Brigade, and what a void he will leave in the life of us all at Brigade Headquarters. I shall find it very difficult to replace him, as since he has been my Adjutant he has done his work so thoroughly and efficiently, always working for the good of the batteries.’

Sold with various copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient, and a photograph of his grave.