AN OUTSTANDING “SINGLE” (Scots) MILITARY CROSS

with Battle Citation.

To:
Pte-2/Lt A.L. KIRKCALDY
26th (Bankers’ Bn) R.Fus. Middlesex Rgt,
1st Liverpool Rgt.


Twice Wounded. SERIOUS G.S.W. (Right Leg Amputated) 1918.

A Royal Bank of Scotland Clerk at the Cupar Branch.

[CITATION]
London Gazette 15th October 1918.
(FOR THE ACTION AT “AYETTE”)
Nine miles south of Arras on the road to Albert & Amiens.

“For gallantry and good leadership in a raid against the enemy outpost system. He previously reconnoitred suspected enemy posts for two nights in succession, found one derelict and located another some 250 yards further to the flank. After two further nights’ reconnaissance he skilfully placed his raiding section close to the enemy wire in the gap left in the barrage. When the barrage lifted he led his men forward with great dash and captured two prisoners. He set a very fine example to his men in whom he instilled a determined offensive spirit.”

[THE MEDAL]
Military Cross in its original case (named inside lid) on its original pin.

Privately Engraved in Superb Contemporary Style.


2nd Lieut A.L. KIRKCALDY,
Middlesex Regt
(AYETTE) 29th July 1918

(Also entitled to a War & Victory Medal).

[BIOGRAPHY]
Alexander Lillie Kirkcaldy was born on 24th June 1897 in Cupar, Fifeshire.The fourth son of Mr John Y. Kirkcaldy, borough surveyor and Mrs Mary A. Kirkcaldy. Prior to the war he was living with his parents at 3 Well Place, Cupar, and was employed a clerk at the Cupar branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He joined the 26th (Bankers’ Bttn) Royal Fusiliers as Private 20224, at the Glasgow recruiting office on 7th December 1915.

One of Alexander’s three brothers, 38221, Pte John Yool Kirkcaldy of H.L.I was killed in action at Arras on 23rd April 1917 aged 26.

Alexander landed in France on 4th May 1916 and was wounded on the Somme in 1916. On 30th October 1917 he was commissioned as Temporary 2Lt into The Middlesex Regt and later served for a short period with R.M. Light Infantry, with a final attachment to 1st Liverpool Regt. While serving with the Liverpool’s he was seriously wounded by a gunshot to his right leg on about 28th September 1918. An evacuation to England via Le Havre to Southampton followed on 12th October 1918. His right leg was then amputated. He was only 21.
He married later in life but his wife pre-deceased him.
Alexander had received a disability pension since 1918 and died on 18th February 1967 at age 70.

An Excellent Military Cross, with superbly executed contemporary chisel engraving, to a brave young Scots bank clerk who was promoted from the ranks to a junior commission. Twice wounded with the second event being a serious Gunshot wound leading to the amputation of his right leg.

With copy Officer’s & full CWG papers, and brother John’s CWG details.


















Mint State in its original case.

SOLD (export)