Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional and rare Great War D.S.O. and bar, Boer War D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Hunt, Royal Dublin Fusiliers

ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GEORGE, C.M.G., neck badge in silver-gilt and enamels, one reverse arm and both centres slightly chipped; DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER, G.V.R., with second award bar, silver-gilt and enamels, some chipping to green enamel wreaths; DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL, V.R. (4290 Sgt., 2nd Rl. Dublin Fus.); QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Cape Colony, Talana, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (4290 Sgt., Rl. Dublin Fus.); KING'S SOUTH AFRICA, 2 clasps (Clr.-Serjt.); 1914-15 STAR (Lieut., R. Dub. Fus.); BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS, M.I.D. (Lt. Col.), the earlier medals with contact wear, otherwise very fine or better and probably a unique combination of awards (8)

D.S.O., London Gazette, 20 October, 1916. 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He formed and held a defensive flank for ten hours, until relieved, under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, thus frustrating the enemy's attempt to turn the flank.'

Bar to D.S.O., London Gazette, 26 July, 1918. 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He formed at short notice an improvised force, comprised of troops from several different units, and handled it with great skill. He contributed largely towards the success of a counter-attack, when he rallied his men at a very critical period and drove the enemy back out of a village. Again, later, by his fearless example, he restored the situation, when the enemy were on the point of breaking through the line.'

D.C.M., London Gazette, 19 April, 1901 (Details 8 February 1901). 'Distinguished by their great coolness, ability and pluck, in fighting and in commanding their men at the Battle of Colenso, and in other engagements.’

Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Hunt, C.M.G., D.S.O., D.C.M., was born in 1875 and entered the army in 1891. Soon after the Boer War, where he was wounded at Colenso, he participated in operations in the Aden Hinterland and although at one stage discharged, he re-enlisted as a Sergeant-Major into his old regiment after the outbreak of the Great War, being commissioned in 1915. As a Temporary Major he was second in command of the 2nd Battalion and in May, 1917, he was appointed to the command of the 9th Battalion. He was created a C.M.G. on 3 June 1919.