Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘gallantry’ M.B.E. group of five awarded to Captain H. C. Gray, Royal Field Artillery, who was Mentioned in Despatches for his services during the Siege and Defence of Ladysmith, and again during the Great War, and was wounded on the Somme

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1918, in Garrard, London, case of issue; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek, Belfast, Orange Free State, unofficial retaining rod between third and fourth clasps (86201 Cpl. H. Gray, R.F.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (86201 Serjt: H. Gray. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. H. C. Gray.) light contact marks to the Boer War pair, these very fine; the Great War awards better (5) £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Royal Artillery.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 18 November 1917: T./Lieutenant Herbert Chester Gray, Royal Field Artillery (For an act of gallantry not in the presence of the enemy)
‘For distinguished service in connection with military operations in France and Flanders.’

Herbert Chester Gray ‘served in the South Africa War and took part in the defence of Ladysmith, being mentioned in the late General St. George White’s Despatch for services during the siege. He rejoined on the outbreak of War, having retired with the rank of Sergeant Major, and was promoted for good service. He was Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Douglas Haig, and was wounded on the Somme, having his horse was shot from under him.’ (Northampton Independent, 21 December 1918 refers).

Gray was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 9 May 1915, and served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 30th Division from July 1916.

Sold with various newspaper cuttings announcing the award of the M.B.E.; and a small group photograph.