Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant T. T. Archibald, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, who made a most gallant stand at Fontaine Le Crossilles on 23 April 1917

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, with case of issue; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. T. T. Archibald); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre 1914-1918, with bronze palm, mounted as worn, very fine and better (4) £800-£1,000

M.C. London Gazette 18 June 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded the Company after they had reached the final objective, and continued with great coolness and ability to direct the defence. The retention of this captured position, which was under continuous heavy shelling, greatly assisted in the success of the operation.’

Thomas Telfer Archibald, who was employed by the Glasgow Post Office (Telephone Service) before the outbreak of hostilities, enlisted in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in late 1915 and was soon afterwards commissioned Second Lieutenant. Attached to the 2nd Battalion, he served with distinction in France and, in addition to his M.C. - which he received from the King on 19 October 1917 - he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre (London Gazette 22 November 1918, refers). An accompanying translation of the relevant 10th Army Order states:

‘During the attack of 1 August 1918 on Beugneux, Lieutenant Archibald was in command of a battery of Stokes Mortar Guns attached to the attacking battalion. With admirable presence of mind, he encouraged his men and moved forward his guns under intense enemy machine-gun fire. He personally eliminated several of these machine-guns which were hampering the infantry action. He had munition supplies moved forward to the advanced lines in especially difficult circumstances. He fired successfully on the retreating enemy, and after his ammunition was exhausted, assisted the infantry until the battery was re-supplied. He displayed complete disregard of danger and did everything to maintain the spirits of the men.’

Believed to have been killed in action, the Regimental chaplain wrote to the recipient’s mother on 5 May 1917:
‘I am writing to you because your son in this Battalion has been telling me how distressed you have been by receiving a false report that he is “missing believed killed” ... He is thank God still with us and I assure you he is very fit in spirits ... He was the only officer left to command what remained of the Company. They got forward but found themselves unsupported and finally cut off and surrounded. But encouraged by your son’s example they dug themselves in and held out. The effect of this on the whole fortunes of the day was far reaching. The enemy made a profound mistake and thought the position was strongly held and retreated, when as a matter of fact had he attacked he would have captured the handful who under your son were holding out. It was a most gallant defence and has been praised and commended by those in high authority. We are all very proud about it and as I say your son is the hero of the hour.’

After the war, Archibald returned to his former employment with the Glasgow Post Office but he came south of the border to take up an appointment as a salesman for the North-West London telephone area in 1924. He remained similarly employed for many years and, according to an accompanying newspaper cutting, he was a Liaison Officer between the London Telephone Service and Civil Defence during the last war. He also ‘carried out highly important work for the American forces stationed here’.

Archibald died at Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex in January 1981; sold with a quantity of original photographs and newspaper cuttings, together with the above cited letter from the chaplain attached to the recipient’s unit.