Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Italian Theatre’ M.C. attributed to Lieutenant R. K. Longmire, 5th Battalion (Territorial Force) attached 2nd Battalion, Border Regiment, for gallantry at the River Piavesella in October 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily engraved ‘R. K. L. 29.10.18. 5th attd. 2nd Border Regt.’, in case of issue, extremely fine £500-£700

M.C. London Gazette 2 April 1919; citation published 9 December 1919:
‘On 29 October, 1918, the advanced guard of his company were checked by a machine-gun covering the River Piavesella. He led two sections through some scrub up to the bank of the river. When the enemy opened fire he fearlessly exposed himself to locate the exact position of the machine gun, went back to the company headquarters, explained the position to the supporting gunner and then personally led the rush on the gun. His calm gallantry was most marked.’

Robert Keith Longmire was born on 23 May 1898 in Hereford and later resided at 76 Edward Street, Carlisle. During the Great War he was commissioned into the 5th (Cumberland) Battalion, Border Regiment and served on the Western Front attached to the 2nd Battalion from 19 October 1917. He moved with the 2nd Battalion to Italy in November 1917 to strengthen the Italian resistance and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at the River Piavesella, Italian theatre in October 1918.