The Langham Collection of Medals to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps

A Great War ‘Despatch Rider’s’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private L. G. Brown, Motor Transport, Army Service Corps

Military Medal, G.V.R. (M.S.-4571 Pte. L. G. Brown, M.T. A.S.C.); 1914-15 Star Trio (4571 Pte., A.S.C.) together with Essex Motor Club Gold Medal, hallmarked 9 carat, London 1913, the reverse inscribed (Brooklands 1913 1st L. G. Brown), and four similar bronze awards, all named, for ‘Brooklands Meeting 1912’, ‘Speed Trials 1914’, and ‘Southend 1919’, generally good very fine and better (8) £140-180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Langham Collection of Medals to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

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M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1916.

The group is accompanied by an original but fragile ‘Copy’ of a letter of appreciation from Major V. H. L. Pellew, Commanding 7th Siege Battery, R.G.A., dated ‘In the Field’ 19 March 1918:

‘After a daily acquaintance of Private Brown over a period of 3 Years 3 Months on active service in France and Belgium I feel I must put on record my very great appreciation of him. During the above time he has acted as Despatch Rider and has never failed once.

During the old days, in the Ypres salient 1915 particularly, he daily went through shell fire of all sorts including the 17 inch, he was always cool and cheerful under the worst conditions, and was for his gallantry awarded the Military Medal. He leaves me now for the R.F.C. for which I think he is particularly suited, having gained the respect and affection of every Officer, W.O., N.C.O. and man of the unit which he has for so long served so well. I part with him with many regrets.’

Sold with further research including details of his exploits at Brooklands before the war.