The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay

The fine Great War ‘Gallipoli’ C.G.M. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant (formerly Chief Petty Officer) R. H. Homer, Howe Battalion, Royal Naval Division, who was one of the few men of his battalion to reach the Turkish lines in the Battle of Krithia on 4 June 1915

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.V.R. (160808 Ch. P.O., Howe Bn. R. N. Div.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (P.O., H.M.S. Thrush); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Aro 1901-1902 (160808 P.O. 1st Cl., H.M.S. Thrush); 1914 Star, with clasp (1060808 C.P.O., Howe Bttn. R.N.D.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Lieut., R.N.V.R.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (160808 Act. C.P.O. 2nd, R.N. Brigade) first three medals polished therefore about nearly very fine, otherwise very fine and better and a unique combination of awards, the Aro clasp being one of just 54 to the Royal Navy (7) £6000-8000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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C.G.M. London Gazette 13 September 1915 ‘For great gallantry on the 4th June in advancing to a position from which he could fire at an enemy machine gun, which was commanding the ground held by our men. Exhibiting coolness and resource he was able to work his way to a spot whence he managed greatly to diminish the effect of the enemy’s fire.’

The M.I.D. has not been confirmed.

The original recommendation for Homer’s C.G.M. as well as the other R.N.D. gallantry awards for the action on 4 June was submitted by Commodore Oliver Backhouse, General Officer Commanding R.N.D to General Sir Ian Hamilton on 8th June 1915 and in the covering letter he states:

‘I desire to bring to your notice the following officers and men of the 2nd R. N. Brigade who performed special meritorious service during the operations on 4th June. In illustration of the fighting I would mention that out of the 36 officers and 911 men, who formed the 1st line of advance in the assault of the enemy’s trenches only 6 officers and 279 men escaped injury. The 2nd and 3rd lines of advance consisted of 28 officers and 850 men of whom 3 officers and 493 men were unwounded.’

The following month on 21 July 1915 General Sir Ian Hamilton forwarded the recommendations to the Secretary of State for War in London with the endorsement:

‘I have the honour to enclose herewith a list giving the names of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Naval Division whose services I strongly recommend for immediate recognition. The powers granted to me by His Majesty the King to confer decorations in the field do not extend to this Division which is under the control of the Admiralty, and which is therefore at a disadvantage in this respect compared with the other troops alongside whom they are fighting.’

Richard Henry Homer was born in January 1875 and joined the the Royal Navy on his eighteenth birthday in 1893, at which time he gave his occupation as ‘errand boy.’ He served in a variety of ships and shore establishments throughout his period of engagement, including in H.M.S. Thrush during the Boer War and again in the Aro Expedition of 1901-02 where his ship was responsible for covering the landing of a force at Sabagrega on the South Niger. He transferred to the Mersey Division, R.N.V.R. in January 1912 and on the outbreak of the Great War was sent for service with the Royal Naval Brigade and then, in February 1915, the Howe Battalion, Royal Naval Division, with whom he sailed for Gallipoli.

He was awarded the C.G.M. for gallantry on 4 June 1915 during the Battle of Krithia and promoted to the rank of Sub. Lieutenant on 13 June 1915. He was evacuated from the Gallipoli peninsula on 15 August 1915 suffering from dysentry and embarked for England via a military hospital in Egypt. After a period of convalescence he took up a variety of Depot appointments in the U.K, prior to his retirement in May 1919. Sold with copy of service record which additionally states: ‘Name brought to notice of Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered in connection with the war. (War Office Communique 28.8.19).’