Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An inter-War ‘South Persia operations’ O.B.E. group of four awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel W. B. White, Commanding Officer, 39th King George’s Own, Central India Horse, late 4th Hussars

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1918; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. W. B. White.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S. Persia (Major W. B. White.) light contact marks, very fine and better (4) £300-£400

O.B.E. London Gazette 23 July 1920:
‘For valuable services rendered in connection with Military Operations in South Persia.’

William Blomfield White was born in 1882 and was educated at Harrow. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 4th Hussars in 1901, and was promoted Lieutenant in 1904. He transferred to the Indian Army in 1908, and was promoted Captain in 1910 and appointed a Squadron Commander in the 39th King George’s Own Central India Horse. He was promoted Major in 1916, and temporary Lieutenant-Colonel in 1918, and for his services during the Great War and in the subsequent operations in South Persia he was both Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 23 July 1920) and was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1927, and retired 1931.
The history of the Central India Horse refers to him as follows: ‘He was essentially a bahadur (a brave man and one of renown), and as such was admired and respected by all the Indian ranks of the regiment.’

Sold with copied research.