Lot 5588

Description

Military Cross (GVR). Engraved on reverse James H.Cartwright Lieut 7th F Coy Engrs A.I.F. Extremely fine.

James Harrie Cartwright. Born Gibraltar 1884. Rank Captain. He was wounded in action 1st September 1918 while commanding 6th Field Company Engineers at the Halles Bridge on the Somme and died of wounds 2nd September 1918. MC: CG.4 October 1917. 'Lieut. Cartwright had charge of the whole of the operation of destruction of enemy wire by use of Bangalore torpedoes on the night 26th/27th April. Before the wire was reached the enemy opened fire on our pary with M.G.s and rifles. In face of this Lieut. Cartwright led his parties on and succeeded in placing six torpedoes in the wire. He and his party then calmy waited for the signal and exploded the charges and returned in perfect order. A heavy artillery barrage was put down immediately by the enemy but with excellent judgement Lieut. Cartwright kept his party in No-Man's-Land until barrage ceased and then returned. Patrols later reported considerable damage had been done to the wire. The success of the operation was mainly due to Lieut. Cartwright's courage, coolness and great example'. With extensive research.