Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Great War ‘Western Front’ D.S.O. group of six awarded to Lieutenant Colonel E. F. Ward, King’s Royal Rifle Corps

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., in silver-gilt and enamels, the top bar brooch fitted with slider to reverse for mounting purposes; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (Capt., K.R.R.C.) initials officially corrected; 1914-15 Star (Capt., K.R. Rif. C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Lt. Col.); Delhi Durbar 1903, the edge inscribed in a similar style to the Q.S.A. ‘Capt. E. F. Ward, K.R.R.C.’, this last with silver buckle brooch, generally good very fine or better (6) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection formed by Peter Wardrop.

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See Colour Plate II

D.S.O. London Gazette 13 February 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He organized a counter attack at a critical time, driving the enemy back and capturing 97 prisoners. He showed marked courage and initiative throughout.’

Despatches twice London Gazette 22 June 1915 and 25 May 1917.

Edward Francis Ward was born in June 1870, taking a commission in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in May 1892. He served during the South African War, including the actions at Rietfontein and Lombard’s Kop. In June 1907 Ward was placed on the Reserve of Officers, being recalled for service in the Great War, and commissioned back into his old regiment.

The award of the Delhi Durbar 1903 is very scarce to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, there being just five awarded.