The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood

Three: Major G. D. A. Shaw, D.S.O., Royal Artillery, a Champion Featherweight and Lightweight Boxer who was twice wounded in France & Flanders

1914 Star, with clasp (Lieut. G. D. A. Shaw, R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Major G. D. A. Shaw), lacquered, otherwise good very fine (3) £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood.

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Gordon Donald Archibald Shaw was born in Motihari, India, in September 1882, and was educated at Charterhouse and the R.M.A. Woolwich. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery in July 1902, he won the Army & Navy Featherweight and Lightweight Boxing Championship in 1904, 1905 and 1907.

Embarked for France in August 1914, he was wounded at Ypres and evacuated home, but he rejoined his battery in July 1915 and, at the end of the year, was embarked for Salonika. And it was in this latter theatre of war that he won his D.S.O. and a mention in despatches (London Gazette 6 December 1916, refers), in addition to gaining advancement to Major. Having then returned to France in 1918, he was wounded for a second time.