Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Captain J. N. Preston-Whyte, 6th Dragoon Guards, who was mentioned in despatches and wounded

1914 Star, with clasp (Lieut., 6/D. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt.) mounted court style for display, very fine and better (3) £320-360

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine collection of 1914 Stars to the Cavalry.

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At the outbreak of the war the 6th Dragoon Guards were stationed at Canterbury. They entered France on 16 August 1914 as part of the 4th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

James Noel Preston-Whyte was born in Leigh House, Chulmleigh, Devonshire on 30 December 1886. He was commissioned into the 6th Dragoon Guards on 11 December 1907, and promoted to Lieutenant in April 1910. Serving in France with his regiment from 16 August 1914, he was promoted to Captain in December 1914. For his wartime services he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 4 January 1917). Preston-Whyte was wounded in action at Longueval, 27 August 1918 - suffering a fracture to his right thigh, necessitating hospitalisation back in England. He re-joined his regiment following the Armistice, and then saw further service in Ireland. Transferring to the Retired List, on application, on 25 September 1920, he was retired from the Reserve of Officers on 22 November 1930 as ‘medically unfit’ (suffering from diabetes). Captain Preston-Whyte died at Woolwich in 1957, aged 69 years.

His 1914 Star is one of nine to Lieutenants in the 6th Dragoon Guards.

With copied service papers, gazette and census extracts, m.i.c. and other research.