United Kingdom. A Military Cross and Documents to Major C.H. Bulcock, Gallantry at Wytchaert Messines Ridge, 1917

A Military Cross, in silver, plain reverse, measures 43.8 mm (w) x 48.0 mm (h), worn on original ribbon and pin (stitching pulled away from pin on middle and right side), dark patina, minor wear, extremely fine. 

Contained in original case of issue, with purple exterior, creme coloured silk and velvet base, measures 78 mm (w) x 135 mm (h) x 18 mm (d), functional clasp and hinge, light contact, very fine condition. 

An Officer Appointment document, named to Carl Henderson Bulcock, dated July 7, 1916, denoting the rank of Second Lieutenant, measures 405 mm (w) x 305 mm (h), creased, with an emboss mark on the left edge, remains very fine. 

A Portrait of C.H. Bulcock in uniform, sepia-tone, plain reverse, measures 125 (w) x 180 mm (l), edge has been cut, lit crafts and scratches, extremely fine.  

A Post Office Telegraph dated 1918, requesting the attendance of Bulcock at Buckingham Palace, on paper, measures 220 mm (w) x 140 mm (h), creased, light wear to edges, very fine. 

A Notice of Appreciation to “Lieut C.H. Bulcock, R.F.A.” which states “I wish to place on record my appreciation of your courage and devotion to duty during the period of 1st to 7th June 1917 when in charge of ammunition parties for Trench Mortars you kept your men together under heavy shell fire. On two occasions you went back to find the wounded showing great bravery and disregard for danger. It was only owing to your fine example that the guns were kept supplied during the attack on Wytschaete Ridge.”  Signed by Major General Sydney Lawford, presenting areas of foxing measuring 95 mm (w) x 140 mm (l), remains very fine. 

A Recommendation Letter to the Indian Medical Service from H. Levin, Colonel A.A.G Royal Artillery, dated 1924, commending Bulcock on his gallantry in service, moral character and command, ink on paper, measures 190 mm (w) x 240 mm (h), creased, slightly curled at the bottom, remains very fine. 

A War Office Notice, granting Bulcock permission to use the rank of Major, dated November 1945, remains very fine. 

A Medical Registration Certificate, dated 1924, with seal, measures 280 mm (w) x 185 mm (h), creased, foxing present, very fine. 

Footnote: Carl Henderson Bulcock was born on April 10, 1895 in Lancashire. He served with the Royal Field Artillery during the First War.

He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the field at the successful assault on the Wytchaert Messines ridge in Flanders in May 1917. The Wytschaete–Messines Ridge in Flanders was the scene of one of the most carefully planned British offensives of the First World War. In May 1917, forces of the British Second Army under General Herbert Plumer prepared to assault the German-held high ground stretching from Wytschaete to Messines. On 7 June 1917, the attack opened with the detonation of massive mines laid beneath German positions, followed by a coordinated infantry advance that successfully captured the ridge. The operation secured a vital tactical advantage by removing German observation over the Ypres salient, and it stands as a model of meticulous planning and execution on the Western Front.

He continued to serve during the second war with the Royal Army Medical Corps. On January 1, 1946, he resigned from his commission. 

In 1953, Bulcock was named as a Fellow of the Faculty of Anaesthetists, Royal College of Surgeons of England.