A Collection of Meritorious Service Medals to British Regiments formed by a Gentleman

A Great War ‘Mesopotamia’ M.S.M. group of five awarded to Major A. E. Whicker, late Indian Miscellaneous List

1914 Star, with copy ‘slip-on’ clasp (S. Sergt., I.M. List); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak leaf (Sub-Condr., I.M.L.) ‘Victory’ with correction to surname; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (S/Serjt., I.M.L.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (S. Sjt., Ind. Mis. List), mounted for display, good very fine and better (5) £300-350

M.S.M. London Gazette 16 August 1917. ‘... in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in the Field during the present war.’ ‘S/Sjt., Ind. Mis. List.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1916; 15 August 1917; 12 March 1918.

Albert Edward Whicker was born in Walworth, London. A Clerk by occupation and a member of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion Royal West Surrey Regiment, he attested for the Lancers of the Line at London on 21 September 1901, aged 18 years, 6 months. He served with the 17th Lancers at Home and in India until November 1909 when he was transferred as a Military Staff Clerk Serjeant to the Indian Unattached List. In May 1913 he was transferred to the Indian Miscellaneous List as a Staff Serjeant. During the Great War he served in France and Flanders, 12 October 1914-17 December 1915 and was mentioned in French’s despatches. He then served in Iraq, 18 December 1915-14 June 1918 and was twice mentioned in Maude’s despatches and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. In 1920 he was awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. Medal with gratuity. Whicker was promoted to a Sub-Conductor in February 1921 and in September 1925 he was transferred to the Indian Corps of Clerks. Still with that unit in November 1927 he was promoted to Assistant Commissary and Lieutenant. His death certificate in 1957 records him as being a retired Major in the Indian Army.

Sold with a quantity of copied research in a folder, including gazette extracts, service papers and m.i.c. - the latter confirms the award of the clasp to the 1914 Star.