Woolley & Wallis
Lot 10
The Second World War North-West Europe Military Cross group of five medals to Captain Alexander Watt Waddell, The Cameronians: M.C., George VI, reverse dated 1946 and privately engraved 'CAPTAIN A.W. WADDELL. M.C. THE CAMERONIANS.'; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; mounted for wearing; together with the case and transmission slip for the M.C., and a corresponding group of mounted miniatures, medals good very fine or better. M.C. London Gazette 24/01/46 'in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe' The recipient studied at the Glasgow Academy (1919-28), and according to their Roll of Honour his military service commenced in the Royal Artillery. He was made 2nd Lieutenant from a Cadet 9th August 1941. He joined the 9th Bn Cameronians 22nd July 1944 and was wounded in the ankle on the 30th October. The recommendation for his M.C. continues: In the action in which Capt. Waddell was wounded he refused to leave his platoon until he had seen them on to their objective, consolidated, and administered with food and reserve ammunition, despite having a piece of shrapnel in his ankle and despite being ordered by his company commander to be evacuated to the Regimental Aid Post for treatment. His platoon in this action received severe casualties and Capt Waddell was left with barely two sections during the period of consolidation, and after he had been wounded the platoon area was long subjected to accurate and sustained enemy shell and mortar fire, but Capt Waddell's cheerfulness, leadership and disregard for danger set an example which resulted in the company successfully holding their hard-won ground. On the 15th February, 1945, "D" Company was approaching a FUP preparatory to launching an attack through closely wooded country in the MOYLAND area against considerable numbers of enemy. The line of march was very heavily shelled. Communications had temporarily broken down by both wireless and runner (all wounded) and his company commander ordered Capt Waddell to proceed with his platoon, plus one section of another platoon, into the attack. It was vital for the further commitments of the battalion and the artillery programme that the company gained the support of the artillery over the Start Line. This Capt Waddell did, and although the Start Line was under direct small arms and automatic fire from three directions he succeeded in destroying and capturing three Spandau posts before he was halted through casualties, lack of fire power and personnel. Capt Waddell shewed extreme courage and a very high standard of leadership under the most difficult circumstances. Capt Waddell has shewn himself to be a fearless leader - his unfailing cheerfulness in dangerous situations and his disregard for danger has done much to maintain a high standard of morale in the company. He has at all times shewn courage and leadership of a high order which has been a constant source of inspiration to the men under his command.
