Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War ‘Horse Transport’ M.M. group of four awarded to Driver W. S. Keillor, Royal Army Service Corps, for his gallantry in the vicinity of Ypres on 25 September 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (T4-123849 Dvr: W. S. Keillor. R.A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (14-123849 Dvr. W. S. Keillor. A.S.C.); France, Third Republic, Medaille Militaire, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, mounted as worn, gilding somewhat rubbed on last, very fine (4) £300-£400

M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919.

William Smith Keillor was born in Forfarshire, Angus, in 1873. A stableman, he attested for the Army Service Corps at Bradford on 25 October 1915, and served as a Driver in France and Flanders from 9 January 1916. He was wounded in action on 25 September 1918, suffering a gunshot wound to the jaw, back and right hand. Sent home to Dundee on furlough, he was later awarded the Military Medal in consequence of the bravery he displayed when wounded. Unusually, given his rank, the citation can be found in his unit war diary, which reinforces the information offered in his Army Service Record:

‘No. T4/123849 Dvr. W. S. Keillor, A.S.C. H.T., formerly attached to the Field Ambulance, awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the La Clytte - Reninghelst Road on 25 September 1918. A shell burst close to the horse ambulance wagon, killed 3 R.A.M.C. men, 9 wounded and although he too was severely wounded in the jaw he continued to drive the wagon until reaching the A.D.S. [Advanced Dressing Station].’

Sold with copied Army Service Record and War Diary entry.

Note: French Medaille Militaire unconfirmed.