Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Captain E. C. Christian, South Staffordshire Regiment, who was wounded during the Gallipoli campaign and was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme

1914-15 Star (Lieut. E. C. Christian. S. Staff. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. E. C. Christian.) traces of lacquer, nearly extremely fine (3) £100-£140

Edward Charles Christian was born on the Isle of Man on 14 July 1895, and educated at Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood, London. He won an Open Classical Scholarship to Brasenose College, Oxford, but interrupted his studies to be appointed to a commission with the 1/7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment (Territorial Force) as Temporary Second Lieutenant on 22 August 1914. He joined the Battalion in November and on 31 December 1914, he was promoted Temporary Lieutenant.

After participating in the landings at Suvla Bay in August 1915, Christian was wounded in action during the Battle of Sari Bair. Repeated attempts to storm and hold the Anafarta Spur cost the 7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, over 400 casualties. Evacuated to England to recover, Christian rejoined his Battalion in France on 29 February 1916 and was raised Acting Captain upon assuming command of “D” Company on 12 August 1916. After much heavy fighting on the Somme, he became the Battalion Intelligence Officer, but on 11 September 1916 he was killed in action when struck by a shell near Company Headquarters. He is buried at Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension.

Sold with the original Record Office transmittal letter for the Great War trio; an original portrait photograph of the recipient in full military uniform, and another of his original grave on the Somme battlefield; South Staffordshire Regiment cap badge and collar badge; and copied research