Five: Captain B. H. Besly, Devonshire Regiment, killed in action at Givenchy on 25 October 1914, and subsequently awarded a posthumous M.I.D.

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (Lieut., Devon Rgt.) King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (Lt., Devon Rgt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Capt., Devon R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt.); together with illuminated memorial scroll and Buckingham Palace transmission slip for plaque, these individually framed and glazed; original telegram, expressing sympathy of the King and Queen; and commemorative scroll issued by the I.W.G.C. first two with minor contact wear, therefore nearly very fine, otherwise extremely fine (5) £800-900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars.

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M.I.D. London Gazette 14 January 1915.

Barton Hope Besly was born on 28 February 1879 and educated at Bradfield College, Berkshire from 1891-97. He joined the Devonshire Regiment from the Militia in May 1899, becoming Lieutenant in April 1900. He took part in the South African War, being employed with the Mounted Infantry from October 1900 until May 1902, and being present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the action at Colenso; the actions at Spion Kop and Vaal Krans; operations on the Tugela Heights and action at Pieter’s Hill; operations in Natal, including the action at Laing’s Nek; operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony, on the Zululand frontier of Natal, including the defence of Forts Itala and Prospect.

He was promoted Captain in February 1906, and during the Great War took part in the Battle of The Aisne, and in the operations around La Bassee. Captain Besly was killed in action during confused fighting in an orchard at Givenchy, on 25 October 1914, whilst serving with the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial.