An Inter-War M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Corporal H. T. Argent, 2nd Volunteer Battalion Essex Regiment and City of London Imperial Volunteers, who was severely wounded as a Captain of the 5th Battalion, Essex Regiment at Gallipoli in 1915

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1919; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (820. Cpl. H. T. Argent, C.I.V.); 1914-15 Star (Capt. H. T. Argent. Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. T. Argent.); Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., silver and silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919, the reverse engraved ‘Major H. T. Argent. 5th. Essex Regt.’, with integral top brooch bar; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue, 1 clasp, Long Service 1942 (Sub-Sect. Ldr. Herbert T. Argent.) mounted as worn, light pitting from Star, generally very fine and better (7) £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1923: Major Herbert Thompson Argent, T.D., late Assistant Controller, the Contract Department, Disposal and Liquidation Commission.’

Herbert Thompson Argent was born at West Bergholt, Essex in 1879. An articled clerk, he enlisted into the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Essex Regiment on 22 January 1896 and served during the Boer War in their City Imperial Volunteers detachment as Lance Corporal of “E” Company in the Infantry Battalion. On his return to England he was awarded the Boer War tribute medal of the Incorporated Law Society.

Argent remained in the volunteers, was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion, Essex Regiment (Territorial Force) on 16 July 1908, around the time of its formation, and served during the Great War as a Captain with them at Gallipoli from 10 August 1915. He was very severely wounded at Suvla Bay one week after his arrival, on 17 August 1915, a bullet or piece of shrapnel becoming lodged in the right side of his chest. Promoted Temporary Major on 15 August 1916, he was appointed Assistant in the Materials Section of the Ministry of Munitions until 21 May 1919 when he relinquished his commission on account of ill-health caused by wounds. He was awarded a Silver War Badge, and died in Suffolk in 1957.