A signed photograph of Brigadier-General McCulloch with his medal ribbons 1913
An oak frame measuring 28cm x 18cm under glass, of Brigadier General Robert Henry Frederick (R.H.S) McCulloch, with his ink signature to the bottom of his photograph and the date 1913, on the frame crudely attached are pieces of ribbons from his medals, representing his military service. Also attached to the frame is McCulloch’s Royal Artillery badge that is claimed on the reverse of the photo, he wore in battle during the Great War; the ribbons are in a state of disrepair, worn and grubby; the frame is cracked in places and only held together on the reverse by a screw at the bottom and perhaps adhesive at the top; on the reverse there is a tear where a stand would have been, a previous seller has printed a summary of McCulloch’s record along with a big price, suggesting perhaps that this photo accompanied his medals at one time; overall the signed photo is in good condition only as described.
Robert McCulloch was born in October 1869 and at 19 years of age joined the Royal Artillery. It would be his life’s vocation, and he led a decorated military career, being awarded a slew of medals for his bravery in several conflicts. He was a colleague that you would want by your side.
His first sign of action was the Matabeleland operations of 1896 where he was wounded, by an ambush. He was described as staying steadfast with his gun despite his injuries where, with another soldier, he helped repel the attack. It was noted that but for the bravery of the two men, it was probable that their detachment would have been wiped out.
McCulloch was promoted and served in the Boer War. He then held the rank of Major in 1914 as war broke across Europe. He was promoted to command heavy artillery, and rose to the rank of Brigadier General of the Heavy Artillery, 11 Army Corps. He was twice mentioned in despatches and for his deeds was decorated by the French and Italians. He was awarded the Italian Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus, the French Legion of Honour and French Croix de Guerre. These medals are represented by pieces of their ribbon on the frame, along with South African service medals, Boer War, Great War and his distinguished service order medal from his first conflict. The frame has seen better days, but it is all the same a rare and interesting item, with his signed photo along with ribbons and badge on the frame.