Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of six awarded to Captain G. S. Rolph, Northamptonshire Regiment attached 29th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, late Essex Regiment, for his gallantry at Kruiseecke and Gheluwe, 2-3 October 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (3278 Pte. G. S. Rolph. Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. G. S. Rolph.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £1,400-£1,800

M.C. London Gazette 30 July 1919:
‘On 2 October 1918, near Kruiseecke, two sections were sent forward to cover the advance of the infantry, and were held up by heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. He at once rushed forward and, under intense fire, got his sections into action and covered the advance of the infantry. On 3 October, during the attack on Gheluwe, he was in charge of a forward mobile section when the infantry were held up. He immediately led his guns into action under heavy fire, restored the situation and secured the flank. Throughout the operation his leading under all conditions was most gallant and able.’

Gerald Stanley Rolph was born in Wilton, Norfolk, on 29 January 1897 and attested for the Essex Regiment, serving with the 4th Battalion during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre of War from 9 August 1915. He was commissioned second lieutenant in the 4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, on 30 May 1917, and was awarded his Military Cross whilst attached to the 29th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. He saw further service during the Second World War with the Army Catering Corps. He died in Nottingham on 19 January 1983.

Sold with a postcard photograph of the recipient; various cap and collar badges; and copied research.