The David Laban Collection of Great War Awards

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.S.O., M.C. group of five awarded to Captain G. la C. Baudains, 9th (County of London) Battalion (Queen Victoria’s Rifles), London Regiment, attached 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2132 Pte. G. Baudains, 2-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. G. La C. Baudains.); together with British Expeditionary Force, Recreational Training silver fob prize medal, engraved ‘4th Army Infantry School, Individual Bayonet Competition, won by Cpt. G. La. C. Baudains M.C., 9th Roy. Fus.’, very fine and better (5) £2,400-£2,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The David Laban Collection of Great War Awards.

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D.S.O. London Gazette 26 July 1918
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. When in command of the right front company of his battalion, a heavy enemy attack drove back the battalion on his right, leaving his flank exposed. In spite of this, he held his support line position against greatly superior numbers, and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. Subsequently he was entirely cut off, but continued to hold on until he judged that the troops in his rear had had time to take up a new position, when he fought his way out, being wounded while so doing. By his splendid courage and coolness he set a fine example to all with him.’

M.C. London Gazette 18 October 1917.

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 December 1918.

George La Croix Baudains was born at St. Helier, Jersey, in 1892 and was educated at Jersey Modern School and King’s College, London. He served initially with the 2nd (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 6 January 1915, before being commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 9th (County of London) Battalion (Queen Victoria’s Rifles), London Regiment on 25 October 1916, and served as a Lieutenant and Captain attached to the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. He resigned his commission on 21 April 1921. He later served as an Assistant Inspector of Taxes, Inland Revenue Department, and died in Clapham, London, in October 1942.