Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.O. group of three awarded to Captain A. Witham, Royal Field Artillery, who was twice Mentioned in Despatches

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. A. Witham.) good very fine (3) £1,000-£1,400

D.S.O. London Gazette 11 May 1918; citation published 18 July 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an enemy attack he maintained the fire of his battery throughout the day in close support of the infantry, and finally man-handled his guns for 400 yards to a position whence the teams could hook in and saved all the guns. He showed the greatest coolness and resource.’

M.I.D. London Gazettes 21 May 1918 and 23 December 1918.

Alexander Witham was born on 6 February 1880 and served in South Africa during the Boer War (Queen’s Medal with five clasp sand King’s Medal). He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery on 27 September 1914. He was promoted Lieutenant on 9 June 1915, and Captain on 29 March 1918. Twice Mentioned in Despatches, for his gallantry he was awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette 18 February 1918); this was later cancelled and upgraded to the Distinguished Service Order.