Lot 120
Captain – Died of Wounds 1915 ‡
Clandestine Operations - Inc The D.J. Croll Medal Collection & Other Properties | M26002
Auction: 16 September 2026 at 10.30 BST
Description
The 1914 Star awarded to Captain Frederick Charles Waterfield 45th Rattray’s Sikhs attached 15th Sikhs Indian Army who Was Wounded at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on the 12th of March and wounded again at Richebourg l’Avoue on the 18th of May dying in Bethune Town Hospital on the 21st of May 1915 comprising, 1914 Star (Capt: F.C. Waterfield. 45/Sikhs.), very fine (1)
Captain Frederick Charles Waterfield was the son of the late Major-General Henry Gordon Waterfield C.B., 45th Rattray’s Sikhs. And his wife Emily. He was Born at Dulwich on the 22nd of September 1878 and educated at Bradford Grammer School and the Royal Military College Sandhurst; gazetted 2nd Lieutenant to the unattached list Indian Army 22nd of January 1898, was attached to the Gordon Highlanders 7th of April 1898, joined the 45th Rattray’s Sikhs on the 7th of April 1899. Promoted Lieutenant 22nd of April 1900 and Captain 22nd of January 1907. He took part in the China Expedition of 1900 and was awarded the Medal, served on the North West Frontier of India 1908 and took part in the operations in the Zakka Khel county and those in the Momand Country, receiving the India Medal with clasp. Was in England on leave when War broke out and served for three months with the 6th (Service) Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment was attached to the 15th Sikhs in France in November 1914. He was wounded at the Battle of Neuve Chapeel on the 12th of March 1915 and again at Richebourg l’ Avoue on the 18th of May 1915 and died in Bethune Hospital on the 21st of May. He was buried in the Town Cemetery of Bethune.
A Brother Officer wrote: “I have known Charlie for fifteen years nd we were intimately associated in our work and play and linked by a friendship which distance and time could never affect. He was the very best type of English Officer, as brave as a lion; of strong character, indomitable energy, and popular everywhere, without ever seeking popularity. A splendid soldier in every way. In 1912-13 he accompanied the late Captain Pritchard, 83rd Wallajahbad Light Infantry, in a journey of exploration beyond the Frontier of Northen Burma. Captain Pritchard was drowned while crossing one of the rivers and Captain Waterfield brought the party back alone showing great courage and endurance under very difficult circumstances. He was awarded the Mac Gregor Memorial Silver Medal for his expedition, the honour coming a month after his death.”
Captain Waterfield now lies in Plot 2 Row H Grave 14 of the Bethune Town Cemetery.
Captain Waterfield is also entitled to the 1911 Delhi Durbar Medal,
Sold with Copy Medal Index Card Copy entry in De Ruvigny’ s Roll of Honour with copy photograph, London Gazette entries, Copy Delhi Durbar Roll, Commonwealth War Graves information.
