A 1915 Trio to Lieutenant C.T.E. Crabbe, Grenadier Guards, who was killed in action at Hill 70 on

A 1915 Trio to Lieutenant C.T.E. Crabbe, Grenadier Guards, who was killed in action at Hill 70 on 27th September 1915, killed by a shell whilst climbing a wall during the attack. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal all named to Lieutenant C.T.E. Crabbe. Campbell Tempest Ernest Crabbe was killed in action at Hill 70 on 27th September 1915 at the Battle of Loos, whilst serving with 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. He was the son of the late Brigadier General Eyre Crabbe C.B., and the late Mrs Eyre Crabbe. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. There is a statement from Sergeant Moon ‘This officer was machine gun officer and he was killed on 25-26th September in the first line at the left of Loos. He was killed and Sergeant Hawkins took his place on the gun, then he was killed, and immediately Sergeant Kendrick took his place on the gun and went on firing until he was killed, and then lastly came the Company Sergeant Major Tyson, who took his place and was very soon killed and the Corporal who was filling the gun was killed too, and then after all had been shot one of the men rushed away with the top part of the gun and so saved it.’ Corporal Taylor also writes ‘It was on Hill 70. There is a large open field with a wood in the corner. We advanced towards the wood but found it full of machine guns and we were caught in a regular trap. I saw Lt. Crabbe fall, he was riddled with bullets. I feel sure that his body was brought in by stretcher bearers. He was certainly dead. He was a young man and was transferred to us from some other Regiment some months ago, at least the first time he appeared on the parade ground, he was in another uniform.’. Sergeant Davies writes ‘Informant states that on Sept 27th. 1915 at Hill 70 the above officer led his platoon into action. He was informant’s Lieutenant. He was alive and well at 5pm and was then on the crest of the hill. Informant got wounded soon after. The Germans were massed about 100 yards away and took the ground. Informant thinks it is almost certain Lt. Crabbe was taken prisoner, he was only 20 yards from Lt. Crabbe and there was no more fighting. Only four men were able to escape, informant being one of them.’. Finally Lance Corporal Mourton, makes a sworn statement ‘I Saw Lieut. C.T. Crabbe on the 27th September 1915. He took part in the attack on Hill 70. He was my Platoon Officer. I saw very little of him in the advance but when I reached the top of Hill 70, I saw him climbing a wall and the next instant part of his body was blown away either by shell or bomb. I am sure of it that it was Lieut. Crabbe for I knew him so well.’ With folder full of research, including papers, correspondence with the War Office, and a copy of all the statements made regarding his death. Medals contained in fitted Spink and Son titled box. ‘Lieut C.T.E. Crabbe, Grenadier Guards.’. Mounted loose for wear. (3) Nearly extremely fine