Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Egyptian Theatre’ O.B.E. group of three awarded to Major W. I. Tait, Suffolk Regiment, attached Royal Engineers

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1918; 1914-15 Star (Capt. W. I. Tait. Suff. R.); Victory Medal 1914-19, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. W. I. Tait) very fine (3) £180-£220

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1919:
‘For valuable services rendered in connection with military operations in Egypt.’

William Ironside Tait was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment (Territorial Force) on 8 April 1911, and served with the Suffolk Regiment during the Great War in the Egyptian theatre of war, being advanced Major after the cessation of hostilities. For his services during the Great War he was twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 6 August 1917 and 22 January 1919) and created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, this last award for services whilst attached to the Royal Engineers.

Sold with the recipient’s Territorial Force Imperial Service Badge; miniature O.B.E.; and T.A. Lapel badge, this last numbered 348962 on reverse.