Orders, Decorations and Medals

Four: Captain Stuart Duncan, Gloucestershire Regiment, who was killed in action at Hooge on 13 November 1914 whilst attached to the Middlesex Regiment

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal (Capt., Glouc. Rgt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Capt., Glouc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.) nearly extremely fine (4) £600-800

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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The following is extracted from The Bond of Sacrifice, Volume I:

‘Captain Stuart Duncan, Gloucestershire Regiment was killed in action at Hooge on the 13th November 1914. He was born in London in 1865 and educated at Marlborough College, and obtained his commission in 1884, becoming Captain in 1891. With his regiment he served in the South African War, taking part in operations in Natal, including actions at Rietfontein and Lombard’s Kop, where he was slightly wounded. He was also at operations in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony. In 1904 Captain Duncan left the Army and joined the Reserve of Officers, Gloucestershire Regiment. He had therefore been retired from the active list for ten years when the Great War broke out, but at once patriotically volunteered for active service, and was posted first to the 3rd Battalion of his old corps, from which he was sent out to the 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment at the front, but when killed was serving with the 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. He behaved with great gallantry during the war, particularly on the day of his death, when he had been ten days in the trenches, continually shelled, and was shot down while leading his men, by whom he was specially beloved.’

Captain Duncan is listed in the Boer War casualty roll as being taken prisoner at Farquar’s Farm on 30 October 1899 and subsequently released. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Sold with copy m.i.c.