Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare ‘Ashanti War’ C.M.G., Great War O.B.E. group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel D. K. McDowell, Royal Army Medical Corps, late Principal Medical Officer to the Ashanti Field Force at the relief of Kumassi

The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s breast badge converted for neck wear, silver-gilt and enamel; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; Ashanti Star 1896, unnamed as issued; East & West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1897-98 (Surgn. D. K. McDowell. Lagos Hausa Force); Ashanti 1900, 1 clasp, Kumassi, high relief bust (Dr. D. K. McDowell. A.F.F.); Jubilee 1897, silver (Surgn. D. K. McDowell. Gold Coast Hausa Force) minor blue enamel damage to obverse motto on C.M.G., light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (6) £3,600-£4,000

C.M.G. London Gazette 15 January 1901:
‘In recognition of services rendered in connection with the recent military operations in Ashanti: Donald Keith McDowell, Esq., Principal Medical Officer of the West African Frontier Force on the Niger, lately serving as Principal Medical Officer of the Ashanti Field Force.’

O.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919:
‘For valuable services rendered in connection with the War.’

Donald Keith McDowell was born on 16 June 1867, the son of Surgeon Colonel E. G. McDowell, C.B., and was educated at Berkhampstead College, and St. Thomas’ Hospital, London. He served as Principal Medical Officer, Northern Nigeria, and of the West African Frontier Force; as Principal Medical Officer, Ashanti Field Force 1900; and as Principal Civil Medical Officer, Straits Settlements, and Inspector General of Hospitals and Medical Institutions, Federal Malay States. During the Great War he held the rank of Acting Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Army Medical Corps. He died on 23 December 1940.

Sold with copied research, including a group photographic image of the recipient.