$8,000.00

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Bar awarded to Captain R. A. Plimpton, Royal Highlanders and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, killed in action at Polygon Wood, 27 September 1917
Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed, in case of issue.

1914-15 Star (Lieut., A. & S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.) extremely fine.

M.C. London Gazette 11 December 1916. ‘Temp. Lt., Arg. & Suth’d. Highrs.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He carried out a most valuable reconnaissance under heavy fire. Later, he consolidated and held his position for over thirty hours under intense fire. He set a splendid example to his men throughout’.

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 26 January 1917. ‘Temp. Lt. (actg. Capt.), Arg. & Suth’d. Highrs., attd. R. Highrs.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his men in the attack with great courage and determination, capturing his final objective together with an enemy machine gun and 80 prisoners. Later, in conjunction with another officer, he captured 120 more prisoners’.

Robert Albert Plimpton was the son of Alexander William and Margaret Eleanor Plimpton. He was educated at Oakfield School, Bilton Road, Rugby. He was commissioned into the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on 6 February 1915 and was promoted to Lieutenant on 6 October the same year. Plimpton joined the 4th Battalion Black Watch on 12 November 1915 and arrived in France with reinforcements and those returning after being wounded to join the amalgamated 4/5th Battalion. Commanding a platoon in “A” Company, Plimpton went on to win the M.C. and Bar. Captain Plimpton was killed in action on 27 September 1917 during the Second Battle of Ypres. He was at the time in command of “A” Company, leading an attack during the battle for Polygon Wood, when he was shot and killed by a sniper. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial and in St. Matthew’s Church, Rugby. In the latter, a window is dedicated to the boys of Oakfield School who worshipped in the church and gave their lives in the war. A regimental history states that he was one of the finest men in the Battalion to lay down their lives in the Salient; one that could hardly be replaced. He was one of only two officers of the 4/5th Black Watch to receive an M.C. and Bar.

Sold with copied research on the recipient and the units in which he served.

Product Code: EM3236