Lot 873
A MILITARY CROSS GROUP OF SIX TO THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY. The medals of Captain R.L. Garratt of the Highland Light Infantry comprising a Military Cross dated 1939, General Service Medal with Palestine bar named to Capt. R.L. Garratt, H.L.I., 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal and War Medal, all unnamed as issued. Mounted in two parts with accompanying miniatures, partial ribbons and a HLI badge. R.L.Garratt was born in 1904, 2nd Lt from 1924, Captain from 1936 and Major in 1941. He retired from the Army in 1948. The Military Medal was awarded following an action on the 12th of September 1939. Captain Garratt was in command of a detachment consisting of two sections of the Highland Light Infantry. Approaching a village they came under fire from the front and side, later from the left flank as well. Garratt immediately ordered his men into a defensive position under heavy fire coming from three directions, the enemy about 50 strong were held until his troops ammunition ran low. With no regard for personal safety he returned to the trucks which were in a very exposed position, collecting further reserves of ammunition and by his prompt action and leadership with coolness under fire, he saved his patrol from heavy losses.
