An interesting 1914 Star to Captain (3rd Class Agent) G. S. Collings, Intelligence Corps and Inland Water Transport, Royal Engineers

1914 Star, with contemporary copy clasp (2.Lieut.), nearly extremely fine £180-220

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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Collection

The medal is sold with numerous copied documents taken from the recently released Officers Service records held at the Public Record Office. Much interesting information is contained in this archive mostly dating from the 1960’s when Collings entered into correspondence with the Army Record Office as evidently he felt that he was due some recognition for his war services.

The following is an extract from one of his letters:

‘It is not surprising that you have not the information I required re my personal service as I was in the S.S. service from 1908 when I first was in the Territorial Army, I had a very special service direct with W.O. and I enclose some photostatic evidence to prove my statements and add to my record for your information. It was not till 1959 that I had this information and events have prevented my using same till this present moment when I wish to try and get recognition from the British Government for my services 1914-19 overseas. The Germans stole all my belongings as I was on their Black List having been officer for the British section of the Commission Interallié du Rhine, and for this reason I only just recovered some of my papers covering my former activities. Could you please let me know how I can proceed and obtain this recognition for this special service which prevented the Germans from getting to Calais & invading England Sept. 15/1915’.