VINTAGE & RARE WW1 BRITISH ARMY MILITARY CROSS MEDAL GROUP ITALY CAMPAIGN

Offered is a fine WW1 British Army Italian Front ’immediate award’ Military Cross medal group to Major Alexander Innes, who won the M.C. for Distinguished Service during the Battle of Asiago.

Geo V Military Cross, un-named as issued, 1914/15 Star, impressed named LIEUT. A. INNES. R.F.A; British War & Victory Medals, impressed named MAJOR. A. INNES. R.F.A; The Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal & 1953 Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. Medals are court mounted for display.

Major Alexander Innes was born on 20 March 1892. He was the son of William Disney Innes and Helen Amy Burnett. He was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond, Perthshire, Scotland, where he undertook Officer Training School, graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1911, in which capacity he was posted to the 2nd City of Aberdeen Battery, Royal Field Artillery. He served in France (2nd May 1915) & Italy during the First World War, winning the Military Cross, whilst serving with the 103rd Brigade, R.F.A. (LG#30950 15th October 1918), for ‘Distinguished Service’ during the Battle of Asiago (June 1918), the gazette entry stating:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. He fought his battery with great energy and determination under heavy enemy fire of gas and high explosives. He fired over 4,000 rounds in the first eighteen hours. He set a splendid example to his men of courage and cheerfulness".

He was promoted Major towards the end of the war. He married Alberta Laura Mainwaring, daughter of Captain Guy Mainwaring R.N. and Gertrude Henrietta Williams, on 9 November 1937. Served during the Second World War with the L.A.A. He was admitted to the Royal Company of Archers in 1949, in which capacity he formed part of the Royal Bodyguard for the royal visit to Scotland of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The same year saw Innes hold the office of Deputy Lieutenant (D.L.) for Kincardineshire, whilst also receiving his Doctorate for Law. He lived at Cowie, Kincardineshire, Scotland. He died on 30th January 1975 at age 82.                

A fine medal group, with service spanning both World Wars.