Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Second Lieutenant B. Gibbs, Rifle Brigade, whose M.C. was gazetted just three days before he was killed in action on 6 July 1915

Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut., Rif. Brig.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut.); together with memorial plaque (Bernard Gibbs); Rifle Brigade cap badge; and an original copy of the C.W.G.C. register which include shis name, good very fine (6) £1800-2200

M.C. London Gazette 3 July 1915 ‘For the cool and capable way in which he commanded the Canadian Dressing Station and outbuildings while the Germans sapped to within 40 yards of it. He opened enfilade fire on a considerable force attacking his left, bringing them to a standstill. Later he ran into the open and threw hand grenades at the German sapping party, compelling them to retire.’

Bernard Gibbs was born on 30 October 1892 , the youngest son of George Rutherford Gibbs, of Pernambuco. He was educated at Shrewsbury and Pembroke College, Cambridge, receiving a commission in the 6th Battalion, Rifle Brigade on 18 August 1914. He was posted to France aon 12 January 1915, wounded on 28 April 1915, before being killed in action on 6 July 1915 whilst attached to the 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade. He is buried at Talana Farm Cemetery, Belgium.