Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.O. and U.S.A. Military Order of the Dragon group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel J. Craik, 19th Bengal Lancers (Fane’s Horse), Indian Army, who was twice Mentioned in Despatches

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; China 1900, no clasp (Lieut. J. Craik. 19th Bl. Lcrs:) official correction to regimental number; 1914-15 Star (Major J. Craik.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. J. Craik.); Delhi Durbar 1903, silver, unnamed as issued, complete with integral silver riband buckle; United States of America, Military Order of the Dragon, China 1900 (J. Craik. Captain. 19th Lancers. No. 207.) complete with original embroidered riband and integral top Pagoda suspension brooch, light contact marks to the earlier medals, otherwise good very fine or better (7) £2,800-£3,200

D.S.O. London Gazette 1 January 1918: ‘James Craik, Major (Temp. Lt-Col.), Reserve of Officers, Retired Pay, Lancers, Indian Army.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 December 1917 and 20 December 1918.

James Craik was born on 24 November 1871 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Hampshire Regiment on 7 November 1891. Promoted Lieutenant on 14 July 1893, he transferred to the Indian Army on 18 July 1896, and was appointed to the 19th Bengal Lancers (Fane’s Horse), being employed with the 16th Bengal Lancers during the China Expeditionary Force in 1900. Promoted Captain on 10 July 1901, he was employed with Imperial Service Troops as Inspecting Officer, Phulkian States Cavalry, Umballa, from December 1903 to December 1908, and was appointed Squadron Commander, 19th Lancers, on 1 November 1906. Promoted Major on 7 November 1909, he retired in 1912. Recalled for duty as Transport Officer following the outbreak of the Great War, he served as Deputy Assistant Director of Railway Transport from 15 May 1916, and was appointed Assistant Director General of Transportation with the rank of temporary Lieutenant-Colonel on 9 May 1917. For his services during the Great War he was twice Mentioned in Despatches, and was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.