Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘German Spring Offensive’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Lance Sergeant F. Hogarth, 2nd Regiment, South African Infantry, late South Staffordshire Regiment, who acted with great bravery and initiative on the second day of the enemy advance in March 1918, being wounded in action and taken prisoner just a short while later

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13004 Sjt: F. Hogarth. 2/S.A. Inf:); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (5569 Pte. F. Hogarth. S. Stafford: Regt.); 1914-15 Star (Cpl. F. Hogarth 1st Infantry.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (L/Sjt. F. Hogarth. 2nd S.A.I.) mounted court-style for display, edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (5) £700-£900

This lot is to be sold as part of a special collection, The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 2nd Regiment, South African Infantry.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 22nd March 1918 in the sunken road East of Heudecourt a party of men fell back. One of this party shouted ‘retire’ and a general movement to the rear took place. Sgt. Hogarth, realising the dangerous situation thus created seized a revolver and facing the retiring men sent them back. His timely action and initiative saved what might have been a very serious disaster. Throughout the 3 days retirement he showed an utter disregard for danger and by his fine example inspired confidence in the men.’

Frederick Hogarth was born in London in 1883, the son of Mrs. Helen Hogarth of Rose Cottage, Dundee, Natal. He originally served during the Boer War with the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the South Staffordshire Regiment and then took employment as a guard on the South African Railways (Natal Division). This was followed by 15 months in German South West Africa with the 2nd Durban Light Infantry, before he enlisted for the 1st South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 13 March 1917. Posted to France with the 2nd Regiment on 13 October 1917, Hogarth was wounded in action by gas on 25 March 1918 and taken Prisoner of War. His debrief notes upon release add: ‘burst ear drum through concussion of shell 22/3/18. Had no treatment in Germany’. Repatriated 6 January 1919, he returned home to his wife suffering from deafness in both ears and entitlement to a 20% disability award.

Sold with copied service record and other research.