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

Three: Second Lieutenant W. B. Will, 14th London Regiment

1914-15 Star (3352 Pte., 14-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.) nearly extremely fine (3) £200-250

M.C. London Gazette 16 August 1917. ‘2nd Lt. William Brown Will, Lond. R.’; ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although his platoon was heavily enfiladed by machine-gun fire, he gained his objective, successfully bringing fire to bear on the hostile machine-gun. He also displayed great personal courage in making a useful reconnaissance under heavy fire, and throughout the operations he behaved with exceptional dash, and set a splendid example to his men’.

William Brown Will was born on 29 June 1887 at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 14th Battalion London Regiment on 25 October 1916, having previously served in the ranks. He was promoted Lieutenant on 25 August 1918. Serving in France and Flanders, 19 March 1915-15 April 1916 and 4 January-15 July 1917, he was wounded on 15 July 1917 at Ypres, taking shrapnel to the arm. For his services he was awarded the Military Cross. Sold with copied service papers and research.