Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Staff Sergeant F. G. Sole, Supply and Transport Corps, Indian Army, late Indian Unattached List and Royal Horse Artillery, who was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

1914-15 Star (24915 S.Sjt. F. G. Sole. R.H.A.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (1038300 S.Sjt. F. G. Sole. R.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1038300 S.Sjt. F. P. [sic] Sole. R.H.A.) very fine and better (3) £140-£180

M.I.D. London Gazette 15 April 1918.

M.S.M. London Gazette 9 September 1921.

Frederick George Sole was born in Faversham, Kent, in 1884, and attested for the Royal Artillery at Chatham on 4 July 1902. Posted to India from 8 December 1905 to 18 July 1915, and Mesopotamia from 19 July 1915 to 13 November 1920, he was Mentioned in Despatches. His Army Service Record further notes a contusion to the leg at Mhow in 1905 - likely caused by the kick of a horse - and discharge at his own request after 18 years with the Colours. Interestingly, his MIC and MSM Index Card both note to top corners: ‘Chelsea Pensioner’. A second MIC card further notes entitlement to the GSM, clasp Iraq, for service with the Supply and Transport Corps

Sold with a fine array of original documentation, including original M.I.D. Certificate; “The Small Book”, hand annotated “B” Depot R.H.A., 1902; Soldier’s Pay Book for Use on Active Service; Army Form B: ‘exemplary character, sober & reliable’; First Class Certificate of Education; Iraq Railways reference, dated 20 November 1930, confirming latter service as Assistant Auditor and Stores Officer; letters from the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, confirming the death of In-Pensioner Sole on 19 March 1968.