WW1 MILITARY CROSS MEDAL GROUP TO CAPTAIN WILSON 2/7TH BN LIVERPOOL REGIMENT

Offered is a Military Cross medal group, attributed to Captain H. Wilson, who won his M.C. whilst serving with the 7th Battalion, The Liverpool Regiment during the First World War.

Group includes: Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals impressed named LIEUT. H.E. WILSON. & 1939-1945 Defence Medal, un named as issued. Medals swing mounted, for display with silver identity bracelet, inscribed ‘Harold E. Wilson 2nd Lieut 7th Battalion King’s Liverpool Regt. C of E.; original photograph from 1927 with Captain Wilson being presented to King George V and comes with extensive research and newspaper clippings.

M.C. London Gazette 3/6/1919.

Harold Edward Wilson was born on 5/1/1896 in Bootle, Lancashire. He was employed as a clerk to the Borough Treasurer. After several attempts to enlist, he was finally accepted 25/2/1916 as a Private with the 21^st Battalion, ‘The Kings’ (Liverpool Regiment). He applied for a commission and was appointed as a 2^nd Lieutenant 7^th Bn The Kings Regiment 1/3/1917. Landed in France 9/4/1917. 25/4/1917 marched into the Battalion and was posted to ‘A’ Coy. 1/9/1918 promoted to Lieutenant.

On the 3/9/1918, Wilson was involved in the following action, which resulted in him being awarded his M.C.: ‘Left platoon – Lieut Wilson, were first in Dachshund formed a post with Lewis Gun Section which fired on retreating enemy while Rifle Sections worked along trench to the right and shot the enemy machine gunners as they were coming into action against Right Platoon. In touch with Canadians all through. Line consolidated by 6:20pm. The trench was full of enemy and 120 prisoners were taken and 10 enemy machine guns.’

During this period, the battalion was part of the British Army of the Rhine. During the period 27/1/1919 - 7/3/1919 & 23/6/1919 - 28/10/1919 he served as an Acting Captain, finally being demobilized 29/10/1919 and served with the Territorials. In 1927, he was part of the royal guard of honour at Bootle and was presented to King George V (as per photographs). During WW2, he served from 1940 in the Home Guard. In 1941, he was commissioned Captain within the West Lancashire District, 73^rd County of Lancaster (Maghull) Battalion. In 1942 he was Officer Commanding No. 7, Royal Ordinance Factory Kirkby. In 1944 he resigned his commission & died 10/1/1991.