Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private C. T. Massey, 13th Hussars, whose compiled a detailed diary of his war experiences against the Turks
1914-15 Star (13112, Pte. C. T. Massey, 13th. Hrs.); British War and Victory Medals (13112 Pte. C. T. Massey. 13-Hrs.) very fine

Pair: Private A. E. J. Hole, 9th (The Queen’s Royal) Lancers
British War and Victory Medals (L-4432 Pte. A. E. J. Hole. 9-Lrs.) very fine (5) £80-£100

Charles Thomas Massey was born in 1894 and served in France with the 13th Hussars from 17 October 1915. Transferred to Mesopotamia, Massey kept a detailed diary of his experiences which were later published in The Thirteenth Hussars in the Great War:

‘As the bullets which the Arabs use are as big as a man’s little finger, with flattened nose just rounded off, they make a big noise going through the air, as well as making terrible wounds.’ (Chapter XII, December 12, 1916 - February 24, 1917, refers).

Detailing operations around Kut, Massey went on to describe a failed enemy assault across a river: ‘They looked a dejected lot indeed, clothed in rags, no boots, and they had had very little food for some time. They eagerly took cigarettes offered them, and went limping off to the river dock for removal to the prisoners’ camp, resembling as they went a tribe of lame and ragged beggars. But the Turk has a stout heart, is as brave as a lion, and will fight like the very devil on a handful of dates and morsel of flour.’

Sold with copied research, including the accounts quoted above.

Arthur E. J. Hole was born in Basingstoke and attested for the 9th Lancers at Canterbury on 7 November 1912. Recorded as 15 years and 215 days old at enlistment, he served with the British Expeditionary Force in France from 14 December 1917 to 19 March 1918. His Army Service Record adds that he received a shrapnel wound to the right arm and hand on 12 March 1918, likely necessitating evacuation across the Channel for medical attention. He later returned to active service, including a spell as part of the British Army of Occupation on the Rhine.