A Collection of Great War Medals to the Cameron Highlanders

An M.B.E. and Great War M.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant L. R. G. Jenkins, Machine Gun Corps, late 5th Battalion Cameron Highlanders

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver, unnamed, in Royal Mint case of issue; Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed, ‘Lieut. L. R. G. Jenkins, Machine Gun Corps, 20th Sept. 1917’, in case of issue; 1914-15 Star (S-12177 Pte. L. R. G. Jenkins, Cam’n. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. L. R. G. Jenkins M.C.-M.G.C.) rank and name correctly impressed, the remainder engraved; Defence Medal, unnamed; Special Constabualry Long Service, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Leslie R. G. Jenkins) nearly extremely fine (7) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Great War Medals to the Cameron Highlanders.

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M.B.E. (Civil) London Gazette 1 January 1957. ‘Leslie Ritchie Graham Jenkins, Esq., M.C. For political and public services in Workington.’

M.C. London Gazette 19 November 1917; citation 22 March 1918. ‘T./Lt., M.G. Corps’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an action. He led his section forward with the attacking infantry over most difficult ground and under heavy fire. He got two guns into position within 100 yards of the enemy, and inflicted heavy casualties on them. Though his team was very greatly reduced by casualties, he kept his guns in action during numerous attacks for forty-eight hours. His daring and initiative under adverse conditions were most marked.’

Leslie Ritchie Graham Jenkins was born on 21 April 1887, the son of J. G. Jenkins, J.P., of Airedale, Cambuslang, Glasgow. Educated at Glenalmond College, Perthshire, leaving in 1904. Employed as an Engineer, he attested for the Cameron Highlanders at Glasgow on 6 September 1914, aged 27 years, having previous served in the Glenalmond Cadet Training Corps. With the 5th Battalion Cameron Highlanders he served in France/Flanders, 10 May-26 September 1915. He was wounded in action on 25 September 1915 - suffering a gun shot wound to the neck. Returning to Scotland, he recovered and was discharged to a commission in the 11th Battalion Gordon Highlanders on 3 December 1915. In 1917 he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and was wounded for the second time at Cambrai, 20 November 1917, once more receiving a gun shot wound to the neck. For his gallantry and devotion to duty in the field he was awarded the Military Cross.

During the Second World War Jenkins served as a Major in the Home Guard. Latterly Manager of the United Steel Co. Ltd, of Workington, living at Airedale, Harrington, Cumberland. Awarded the M.B.E. in later life, for political and public services in Workington.

With copied service papers, gazette extracts, m.i.c. and other research.