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Aubreys Auctioneers are honoured to offer for sale one of the most historically and emotionally significant gallantry groups to come to market in recent memory: the Military Cross awarded to Private Alexander Robert Kennedy M.C. of the 2nd Battalion, Mercian Regiment (Cheshire, Worcesters and Foresters, and Staffords). At just 18 years old, Kennedy became the youngest known recipient of the Military Cross since the Second World War. His medal group, together with an extraordinary archive and personal items from the battlefield, will be offered at auction on Wednesday, 28th May 2025 at Aubreys in Surrey.
Kennedy was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry under fire during Operation Herrick, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on 8th June 2009. His conduct during a ferocious Taliban ambush in the village of Gholam Alikhan Kalay has been widely recognised as one of the most outstanding acts of bravery by a British soldier in the modern era.
As the point man during a patrol, Kennedy was the first to come under fire when his unit was attacked from three directions by a force of at least nine enemy fighters. His platoon commander, Captain Andy Bell, was shot and severely wounded. During the engagement, Kennedy himself was struck—his light machine gun was hit, shattering the weapon’s handle and sending shrapnel ricocheting into his helmet and goggles, temporarily blinding and deafening him. Yet, despite the chaos, Kennedy displayed a coolness under fire that would be remarkable in a seasoned officer—let alone a private soldier with only six months’ experience.
He crawled to his wounded commander and administered life-saving first aid, then took over radio communications—knowing full well that the Taliban were targeting radio operators. Kennedy calmly called in an accurate situation report which enabled armoured vehicles to move forward and deliver supporting fire. He then returned to the fight, engaging the enemy with controlled bursts from his damaged weapon, buying enough time for his commander to be extracted and his section to move to cover. His actions that day saved lives and turned the tide of the engagement.
The award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette Operational Honours List on 19 March 2010. Kennedy’s bravery was further acknowledged in Parliament and celebrated at a civic reception hosted by Bromsgrove District Council. He received the decoration from HRH The Prince of Wales during a formal investiture at Buckingham Palace on 9th July 2010.
The lot offered at Aubreys is not simply a medal, but a compelling and deeply personal archive of modern gallantry. It includes:
Also included is the full citation for Kennedy’s Military Cross, which lays out in military detail the events of that day and the remarkable composure, selflessness, and battlefield effectiveness he demonstrated.
Now, more than 15 years on, Kennedy has made the difficult and considered decision to part with his medals. Though proud of what they represent, the experiences they symbolise carry emotional weight that he, like many modern veterans, continues to live with. His decision to sell is not borne of detachment, but of reflection.
“For Kennedy, the Military Cross is both a symbol of courage and a deeply personal reminder of the trauma, loss, and sacrifice of that day,” said auctioneer Aubrey Dawson. “It is offered not as a rejection of its meaning, but as a step forward. The decision to sell such an award is one few make lightly. This is a profoundly human story—of bravery, of service, and of the complex aftermath that comes with them.”
The sale provides a rare opportunity for a collector, museum, or institution to acquire a truly historic medal group—one that not only represents military excellence but also speaks to the personal cost of modern conflict. Kennedy’s story will remain an enduring part of the British Army’s history, and this medal is its most tangible legacy.
The Military Cross of Lance Corporal Alex Kennedy M.C., together with his medals and archive, will be auctioned by Aubreys Auctioneers on Wednesday, 28th May 2025 with a estimate of £20,000-30,000 at their Surrey saleroom. Viewing is by appointment, and interested parties are encouraged to register early.
