Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Second War Mentioned in Despatches Certificate awarded to Captain the Duke of Wellington, the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, attached No. 2 Commando, Special Service Brigade, who was killed in action leading his men during a fierce action at Salerno on 16 September 1943; the great-great-grandson of the First Duke, he is the only holder of that illustrious title to lay down his life in action

Mentioned in Despatches Certificate ‘Lieutenant (T/Captain) The Duke of Wellington, The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (W. Riding)’, dated 28 September 1944, mounted in a glazed display frame, good condition £2,000-£2,400

Dix Noonan Webb, December 2013.

M.I.D. London Gazette 28 September 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

Henry Valarian George Wellesley, 6th Duke of Wellington, was born on 14 July 1912, the only son of the 5th Duke of Wellington, and the great-great-grandson of the 1st Duke of Wellington. He was educated at Stowe School and on 13 November 1935, as Lord Mornington, was gazetted a Second Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, joining them in early 1937 in Malta. He served with them there and in England until February 1939 when he was seconded to the King’s African Rifles. He went out to join them in East Africa and saw service with them in the Defence of Kenya against the Italians and in the successful Abyssinian Campaign. Having succeeded his father as 6th Duke of Wellington in 1941, he returned to England in 1942 following a severe attack of malaria. Whilst at home on sick and compassionate leave, following the death of his father, he took his seat and made his maiden speech in the House of Lords. His adventurous spirit then prompted him to apply for Commando training, which he won through with flying colours. Appointed to No. 2 Commando, Special Service Brigade, commanded by the charismatic, Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Churchill, M.C., he took part in the invasion of Sicily and in the landings at Salerno on 9 September 1943. Commanding No. 2 Troop, was killed in action by a hand grenade in the bitter fighting at Piegolette on 16 September 1943. Recommended for the award of the D.S.O., he was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches. He is buried in Salerno War Cemetery, Italy. He was succeeded to the title by his uncle, the 7th Duke of Wellington.

A Memorial Service was held at Stratfield Saye Parish Church, at the family seat, on 9 October 1943, conducted by the Bishop of Winchester. In his address, Canon J. B. Barker said: ‘A century and a quarter ago England’s Sovereign conferred a Dukedom on England’s greatest soldier. Today we mourn the sixth holder of that honoured title - the first to lay down his life in action - whom all men knew as ‘Morny’. What kind of man was he? We will ask it first of his fellow-officers and men, and they will tell you of his bravery - his utter fearlessness in the face of danger.’

Sold with a representative group of medals to the Duke of Wellington, comprising 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; and representative unit insignia; a copy of the book ‘Wellington’, by Jane Wellesley; and copied research.