Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The important 1914 ‘Le Cateau’ D.S.O. group of five awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel H. E. Vallentin, commanding 27th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, for gallantry in saving guns under heavy fire at Ligny in August 1914, the fourth D.S.O. gazetted for the Great War

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, hallmarked London 1919; Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R.; 1914 Star, with clasp (Major H. E. Vallentin. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Lt. Col. H. E. Vallentin.) early matt bronze issue Victory Medal, minor chipping to green enamel wreaths on D.S.O., otherwise nearly extremely fine (5) £5000-6000

D.S.O. London Gazette 9 November 1914:

‘Major Henry Edward Vallentin, 27th Battery, Royal Field Artillery. For bravery and devotion in withdrawing guns by hand, under a heavy fire, near Ligny, France, on 26th August.’

O.B.E. (Military) London Gazette 1 January 1919: ‘Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Edward Vallentin, D.S.O., R.A. For valuable services rendered in connection with the War.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 19 October 1914.

Henry Edward Vallentin was born on 5 January 1870, son of Sir James Vallentin. He entered the Royal Artillery in February 1889, becoming Lieutenant in February 1892, and Captain in September 1899. He was Adjutant R.A. from January 1900 to March 1903, and was promoted to Major in February 1905. He served in the European War in 1914, landing in France on 23 August, and was immediately embroiled in the severe fighting during the ‘Great Retreat’ from Mons. He was commanding the 27th Battery R.F.A. and won the D.S.O. for gallantry in assisting in the withdrawal by hand of several field-guns of the battery, under an intense fire , near Ligny, during the battle of Le Cateau on 26th August. Two Sergeants and five Gunners of his battery won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry on the same occasion.

Vallentin was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on 30 October 1914, and was specially employed at the War Office from October 1916, where he became Assistant Adjutant-General from May 1917 until the end of the war, being awarded the O.B.E. for these services.

For a detailed account of the action see The Royal Regiment of Artillery at Le Cateau, Wednesday, 26th August 1914 by Major A. F. Becke, late R.F.A.