Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Neuve Chapelle’ D.S.O. and ‘North Russia’ M.I.D. group of four awarded to Major G. A. Cammell, Royal Field Artillery

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., enamel damage to both wreaths; 1914 Star (Lieut., R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Major) nearly extremely fine (4)

D.S.O. London Gazette 15 April 1915. ‘For conspicuous gallantry at Neuve Chapelle. When employed as Observing Officer he saw that the second line of the 1st Battn. 39th Garhwal Rifles had lost their British officers, and at once proceeded to lead the men. He went forward in the attack with four men under very heavy fire, but was wounded after going 20 yards, as were three of his four men.’ Invested by the King on 27 May 1915.

M.I.D. London Gazette 5 April 1915, 22 June 1915, 15 June 1916, and 3 February 1920 (North Russia). Also entitled to the Order of St Anne, 4th class with swords inscribed ‘For valour in War’London Gazette 25 August 1915; St Anne, 3rd class with swords, and St Stanislaus, 3rd class with swords.

Gerald Arthur Cammell was born in 1889 and educated at Repton. He entered the Royal Artillery in 1909, became Captain in 1915 and Major in 1917. He went to France ion October 1914 with the 44th Battery, R.F.A., and won the D.S.O. for conspicuous gallantry at the battle of Neuve Chapelle in March 1915, when he was wounded. After recovery, he served with 108 Brigade in France from September 1915 until June 1916, and in 1917 was given command of 297 Siege Battery, which he commanded until August 1917 when he was again wounded. He went to Archangle, North Russia in September 1918 and served there with either 420 Battery or 1203 Battery until October 1919. For his services there he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the 3rd classes of the Orders of St Anne and St Stanislaus.