Orders, Decorations and Medals

A superb Great War Immediate D.S.O., M.C. and Bar group of seven awarded to Major G. W. King, 160th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R.; Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, S.A. 1901, S.A. 1902 (27044 Corpl. W. King, 41st Coy. Imp. Yeo.); 1914-15 Star (2.Lieut., R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Major); Special Constabulary L.S., G.V.R. (George W. King, D.S.O., M.C.) together with contemporary copies of the recommendations for all three gallantry awards, good very fine and better (7)

D.S.O. London Gazette 8 March 1919. ‘During the operations near ANSEGHEM this officer had a forward section of 18-pdrs working in close support of the infantry. He went forward himself and directed the fire of this section on an enemy 7.7cm gun which was firing at short range and causing casualties to our infantry; after silencing this gun he turned fire onto enemy machine guns which were firing on our troops. He went further forward himself and ascertained the dispositions of our front line and the situation in generalk. His action and information gained therby, were of the greatest value in enabling the batteries to be pushed forward, as the situation on the left was obscure and the area to which the batteries were at first directed had not been completely cleared of the enemy, and without this reconnaissance casualties would probably have been sustained and the advance of the artillery held up.’

M.C. London Gazette 22 September 1916. The recommendation states: ‘From 1st to 8th July and again from 11th to 14th July, this officer acted as Liaison Officer with the Infantry, first at SCOT’S REDOUBT and then at CONTALMAISON. He behaved with the utmost gallantry throughout and succeeded in sending back most valuable information, which could only be obtained by personal reconnaissance under heavy fire. His work at Contalmaison was particularly successful as for some time his was the only source of information. During 13th, 14th July this officer went out in front of the line under heavy shell fire to examine and report whether some German guns could be moved.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 26 September 1917. The recommendation states: ‘During operations East of HARGICOURT between 26th and 28th August, 1917, Captain King was liaison officer with an attacking Battalion. Within about two hours of zero, he was in our newly captured front line, and immediately took bearings on all targets showing themselves and marked down positions where the enemy was moving about. Some very effective shooting by the artillery was the consequence. To get to the Front Line, Capt. king had to pass through a terrific barrage and was continually sniped at in addition. Nevertheless for the three days he went continually up to the front line and brought back information which was of the greatest value.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 September 1916, 23 December 1918, and 7 July 1919.