Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., M.M. group of nine awarded to Warrant Officer Ernest Chidgey, Divisional Signal Company, Royal Engineers, formerly Somerset Light Infantry, who also received an M.I.D. for gallant and distinguished services in 1914

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (23115 A.C.S. Mjr., 35/D.S. Coy. R.E.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (23115 Sjt., 1/D.S. Co. R.E.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (5821 Pte., Somerset Lt. Infy.) initial erroneously given as ‘C’ on this medal; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (5821 Corpl., Somerset L.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (23115 Sjt., R.E.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (23115 A.W.O.Cl.2., R.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., type 1 (23115 Sjt., D.C.M., M.M. R.E.); French Medaille Militaire, enamel damage to last, some contact wear and edge bruising, generally nearly very fine and better (9) £2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 17 April 1918 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has constantly displayed the greatest energy and determination at his work, and by his initiative and skill has set an excellent example to his company.’

M.M. London Gazette 14 September 1916.

Despatches twice London Gazette 20 October 1914 and 15 June 1916.

Ernest Chidgey, a native of North Petherton served in France and Flanders with the B.E.F. from 17 August 1914. The book, The Old Contemptibles Honours & Awards confirms the Medaille Militaire to Sergeant ‘Chidney’. Sold with copy m.i.c.