Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Fall of Tobruk’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Captain C. R. Featherstone, Union Defence Force, for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when he led 46 men to their escape, following the fall of during Tobruk

Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1942; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. C. R. Featherstone); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, these all officially named ‘9527 C.R. Featherstone.’, some scratches, otherwise very fine (7) £1,400-£1,800

M.C. London Gazette, 5 November 1942.

The original Recommendation states: ‘Lieutenant C. R. Featherstone, No. 14 Platoon, Die Middelandse Regiment, when advice was received that the garrison had surrendered and that all weapons or anything of value to the enemy had to be destroyed. Although enemy tanks were approaching, this officer, without hesitation, rallied his men and others in the vicinity to escape. He led six trucks loaded with men through freshly made gaps in the minefields, and later came across and picked up a small number of men whose truck had broken down, abandoning all personal equipment to do so. The trucks were engaged by enemy mortar and artillery fire, one man being killed, but Lieutenant Featherstone kept on, boldly pressing through gaps in enemy columns. He was continually harassed and frequently in difficulties, having to elude enemy elements, including tanks. As a result of this officer’s determination, initiative and devotion to duty, 46 men were restored to their units.’

M.I.D. London Gazette, 24 December 1917.

Cecil Rhodes Featherstone was born on 16 October 1896. He attested for service during the Great War with the 3rd Battalion, South African Infantry and was commissioned into the 7th Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment. He served during the Great War from 1916 onward (not entitled to a 1914-15 Star, despite being shown wearing the riband in the photograph), and for his services he was Mentioned in Despatches. Returning to South Africa, he was commissioned during the Second World War into the Die Middelandse Regiment, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry following the fall of Tobruk. He died, aged 68, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on 30 May 1965.