A Collection of Great War Medals to the Cameron Highlanders

A Great War M.C. group of four awarded to Captain J. L. C. Jenkins, 7th Battalion Cameron Higlanders - a noted amateur golfer

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed, ‘Capt. J. L. C. Jenkins, 7th Cameron Highlanders, Ypres 25th July 1917’, in case of issue; 1914-15 Star (S-12129 Pte. J. L. C. Jenkins, Cam’n. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. J. L. C. Jenkins, M.C. 7th Cameron Highlanders) rank and name correctly impressed, the remainder of the inscription engraved; together with a Nairn Golf Club Medal, for the Cawdor Cup, 40 x 22mm., 15ct. gold, 8.88g., unnamed; another Golfing Medal, 38 x 23mm., unmarked gold, 10.43g. (with ribbon) unnamed, with gold brooch bar, this last with a test mark, nearly extremely fine (6) £1200-1500

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.C. London Gazette 9 January 1918. ‘T./2nd Lt. (A./Capt.), Cam. Highrs.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when commanding two companies in a raid on the enemy’s trenches. Although he had had no chance of examining the ground beforehand, he showed a fearless disregard of danger, and by his splendid leadership ensured the success of the raid. He was the last to leave the enemy’s line, and personally assisted in carrying back our wounded, thus preventing any of them falling into the hands of the enemy.’

James Lawrence Christie Jenkins was born on 18 November 1883, the son of J. G. Jenkins, J.P., of Airedale, Cambuslang, Glasgow. Educated at Glenalmond College, Perthshire, leaving in 1901. As an Assistant Manager in the Iron and Steel Industry, he attested for the Cameron Highlanders at Glasgow on 6 September 1914, aged 30 years. As a member of the 5th Battalion, he served in France, 10 May-5 October 1915, being wounded in action on 4 July 1915 and severely wounded in action on 25 September 1915 at Loos - suffering a shrapnel wound to the neck. Recovering from his injury, Jenkins was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on 23 November 1915 and was posted to the 7th Battalion Cameron Highlanders. Was present at the battles of Arras and Ypres. Appointed Acting Captain in July 1917, he gained the M.C. on 25 (elsewhere stated as 28) July 1917 when leading a successful trench raid. Was wounded during the attack on Hill 35 (Pommern Redoubt) on 22 August 1917 - taking a gun shot wound to the left buttock. Posted to the 6th Battalion in October 1918; demobilised on 21 June 1919.

In civilian life, he was employed as an Iron, Steel and Iron Ore Merchant. A proficient golfer, he played for Scotland against England in 1908, 1912, 1922, 1924, 1926, and 1928 (Captain) and for Great Britain against America in 1921 and for Scotland against Ireland in 1928. He was Amateur Golf Champion, winning at Sandwich in 1914 and was awarded the Royal and Ancient Golf Club Spring Medal 1926; Glennie Medal 1926 and Bombay Medal 1930. Was a Member of the Rules of Golf Committee. Lived at 45 Renfield Street, Glasgow.

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