Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Serjeant M. C. Lipscombe, East Surrey Regiment

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, N.E. Frontier 1891 (38 Lce. Corpl. C. Lipscombe, 1st Bn. E. Surr. R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (200016 Sjt., E. Surr. R.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (200016 Sjt., E. Surr. R.); Volunteer Force Long Service, E.VII.R. (1477 Sjt., 2/V.B. E. Surrey Regt.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (200016 Sjt., 5/E. Surr. R.) good very fine and better, scarce (6) £450-550

M.S.M. London Gazette 12 December 1919.

M.I.D. London Gazette 21 February 1919 (Mesopotamia).

Matthew Charles Lipscombe was born in Wimbledon on 3 June 1869. Entering the Army, he served with the East Surrey Regiment and was awarded the I.G.S. Medal for the N.E. Frontier 1891. Only six ‘N.E. Frontier 1891’ clasps awarded to the regiment. All six were serving in the Bengal Presidency with the Military Signalling Department. With the outbreak of the Great War he rejoined the colours having previously served in the East Surrey Regiment Volunteers and entered the Mesopotamia theatre of war. After the war he was recommended for retention within the 5th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, the reasons given being: ‘Though 51 years of age, is strong and active & fit for the duties of a Territorial Soldier. Holds certificates (Hythe S. of M.) for Musketry and M.G. A qualified Armourer Sergeant. An excellent marksman and instructor. Served with distinction on active service for 4 yrs & 203 days. (M.S.M. and Mention). His enlistment would be in the best interests of his local detachment and tend to maintain the traditions of the regiment during the reconstruction period’.

Sold with a 2nd Vol. Batt. East Surrey Regt. prize medal, rev. engraved, ‘Inter Co. Cup 1906, Sergt. Lipscombe’, 30mm., silver. With copied extract from rolls, listing the six recipients of the I.G.S. ‘N.E. Frontier 1891’ and other copied service detail.