Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Battle for Hill 60, Ypres 1915’ M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant T. Hutton, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, late Yorkshire Regiment, who was wounded during the Battle for Hill 60, 17 April 1915

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914 Star (6454 Cpl (A.Sjt.) T. Hutton. York: R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. T. Hutton.) very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

M.C. London Gazette 23 June 1915.

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 June 1915.

Thomas Hutton was born on 8 August 1886 and attested for the Yorkshire Regiment on 12 January 1901, as a Private. Having seen service in Egypt and the Sudan with the 1st Battalion, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion on 18 December 1911, and served with them during the Great War from 5 October 1914. However, on 17 October 1914, Hutton was Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Promoted Lieutenant on 18 April 1915, he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion of the same regiment on the same day. A letter from the Regiment (dated 1983) records that Lieutenant Hutton was wounded at the battle for Hill 60, Ypres, in April 1915. Another research note records that he spent four months at home on sick leave from 18 April 1915, which would seem to confirm this- the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment formed part of the 13th Brigade of the 5th Division that were heavily involved in the first days of fighting for Hill 60, from 17 April 1915. Back with his battalion on 17 August 1915, Hutton served as Temporary Captain from 28 May 1916, and acting Captain from 26 October 1918, having transferred to the 4th Battalion on 13 August 1918. His Service book also notes on 11 April 1918 that he had served as Bombing Officer. He was finally granted the rank of Captain on retirement in November 1919, whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, which he had joined in April 1919.

Given the date of the award of the M.C. and the fact Lieutenant Hutton was apparently wounded in April 1915, it is probable that the M.C. was awarded for Hutton’s gallantry during the battle for Hill 60.

Sold with the recipient Commission Document; a recommendation letter from his Captain whilst an N.C.O. in the Sudan, 1911; Grenadier Instructor Certificate dated 8 September 1915; Stokes Gun Course Certificate dated 16 October 1915; Officers Record of Service Army Book; retirement letter from November 1919; two family photographs; cap badge and buttons; and a quantity of copied research.