Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 27


A Great War 1916 ‘French theatre’ M.C., and 1918 ‘Ypres operations’ Second Award Bar group of four awarded to Captain J. A. McKinnell, Seaforth Highlanders, late Private 1/14th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (London Scottish), who was wounded in action whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion on the First Day of the Somme, 1 July 1916, and was attached to the 7th Battalion in 1918, with whom he commanded a company with distinction during the attack on Frezenburg Ridge, 28 September 1918


Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, reverse of cross engraved ‘Lieut. J. A. McKinnell. 2nd Seaforth Highlanders Serre July 1st 1916.’; 1914-15 Star (2927, Pte. J. A. McKinnell. 14 - Lond.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. J. A. McKinnell.) BWM officially renamed, generally very fine (4)


£1,600-£2,000


M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1917. M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 30 July 1919:


‘For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership throughout the operations north-east of Ypres from September 28th till October 3rd, 1918. On September 28th, during the attack on the Frezenberg Ridge, he led forward a platoon of his company to fill up a gap in the line, and by his initiative saved an awkward situation. On October 1st he controlled his company with great coolness and skill under heavy machine-gun fire, and rallied the men on the objective and supervised the consolidation.’


John Arthur McKinnell initially served during the Great War with the 1/14th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (London Scottish) in the French theatre of war from 18 March 1915. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders in August 1915. McKinnell served with ‘C’ Company, 2nd Battalion as part of the 10th Brigade, 4th Division on the Somme in 1916. He is recorded in the Battalion War Diary as being wounded in action during the First Day of the Somme, 1 July 1916, during which the Battalion, ‘moved forward 9am - following 1st East Lancashire and 1st Hampshire into action on the Redan Ridge. War Diary records heavy machine gun fire from the front and the direction of Beuamont-Hamel - German front line passed then parties pushed forward and reached third line - withdrew after heavy casualties. Diary also notes the gallant action of Drummer W. Ritchie who was later awarded the Victoria Cross. Relieved by 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers at The Quadrilateral and withdrew to sunken Beaumont-Serre Road. Casualties - 394.’ (British Battalions on the Somme by R. Westlake refers)


McKinnell advanced to Acting Captain in June 1918, and was subsequently attached to the 7th (Service) Battalion. He served as a Company Commander at Ypres, and distinguished himself in particular during the attack on Frezenberg Ridge, 28 October 1918. After the war he resided at 62 Oxford Terrance, London.


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