Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 132
A Great War ‘Gallipoli’ D.C.M. group of nine awarded to Acting Regimental Sergeant Major D. Christie, Highland Light Infantry, who was Mentioned in Despatches for his gallantry under fire during the Occupation of Crete in September 1898, and received a further Mention during the Great War.
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (4737 A.R.S. Mjr: D. Christie. 1/6 H.L.I. -T.F.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Wittebergen, Transvaal, unofficial rivets between third and fourth clasps (4737 Sgt. D. Christie, 1st. High: Lt. Infy.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4737 Clr:- Serjt: D. Christie. Highland L.I.); 1914-15 Star (4737
C.Sjt. D. Christie. High. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (4737 C-Sjt. D. Christie. High. L.I.); Coronation 1937 (David Christie.) contemporarily engraved naming; Army L.S. & G.C.,
E.VII.R. (4737
C.Sjt: D. Christie. H.L.I.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal,
G.VI.R., 1st issue (David S. Christie.) edge bruising to the QSA and KSA pair, light contact marks throughout, generally very fine and better (9)
£800-£1,200 D.C.M. London Gazette 19 August 1916: ‘For conspicuously good work rendered during the performance of a difficult operation. He has set a fine example to his Battalion.’
David Christie was born in Edinburgh in 1874 and attested there for the Royal Scots on 20 June 1892. He transferred to the Highland Light Infantry on 30 November 1892, and served with them during the Occupation of Crete, 31 July to 26 December 1898, being Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 24 January 1899). Major I. C. Conway-Gordon, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, was an eye-witness to Christie’s act of gallantry, and later wrote the following testimonial: ‘On 6 September 1898 fire was suddenly opened on the troops stationed at Kandia, Crete, by the Bashie Bazouks. Sergeant D. Christie immediately turned out “A” Company, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, of which Captain A. G. Balfour was in command. Captain Balfour took up a position with his Company and shortly afterwards Private Walton was wounded. The Hospital was situated about 100 yards from the position occupied by “A” Company, and the ground between was open all the wire to fire. Sergeant Christie volunteered to take Private Watson to the Hospital. He succeeded in doing so although exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy. Against the advice of the Medical Officer he returned across the zone of fire and rejoined his Company. I was an eye-witness of this action on the part of Sergeant Christie and consider he showed the utmost bravery and coolness under fire in carrying out the duty he had volunteered for. Throughout the remainder of the action he continued to display the same gallant spirit and much assisted and encouraged the men by his example.’
Christie saw further action in South Africa during the Boer War from 23 October 1899 to 11 January 1903, and received the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Wittebergen, and Transvaal (his entitlement to the Transvaal clasp appearing on a supplementary roll), as well as the King’s South Africa Medal with both date clasps.
Remaining with the Regiment, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, before transferring to the permanent staff of the 6th Battalion (Territorial Force), and served with them during the Great War in Gallipoli from 2 July 1915 as Acting Regimental Sergeant Major. For his services in Gallipoli he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, as well as being once more Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 25 September 1916). Embarking for England from Alexandria on 3 September 1916, he was discharged at Hamilton on 20 October 1916, after 24 years and 123 days’ service, and was awarded a Silver War Badge.
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