Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding Western Front D.S.O. group of five awarded to Lieutenant Stephen Feary, Royal Engineers; ‘With two sections he attacked and captured a farm strongly held by the enemy, killing thirty and capturing eighteen, as well as three machine guns. An enemy officer broke his arm with a revolver bullet; he shot the officer and then established his position’

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., neatly engraved on the edges of the arms ‘Meteren S. Feary 12.4.18’; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. S. Feary. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. S. Feary.); Russia, Order of St Stanislaus, 3rd Class breast badge, by Eduard, St. Petersburg, 39 x 39mm., gold and enamel, manufacturer’s details on reverse, ‘56’ gold mark on eyelet, mounted for wearing, nearly very fine (5) £2000-2600

D.S.O. London Gazette 16 September 1918: ‘T/Lt. (A./Capt) R.E.’

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With two sections he attacked and captured a farm strongly held by the enemy, killing thirty and capturing eighteen, as well as three machine guns. An enemy officer broke his arm with a revolver bullet; he shot the officer and then established his position. He displayed fine courage and determination.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 28 January 1916 and 23 December 1918.

The Royal Engineers regimental history records:

‘On 11th April it [33rd Division] was moved up at short notice to Caestre, and next day was put into the line in front of Meteren. On the 16th, the 11th Field Company distinguished itself in action which is thus described in the Official History: “about 4.30 p.m., two sections of the 11th Field Company, R.E., in support of the left of the 4th King’s, made a counter-attack on a farm half a mile west of Meteren, bayoneting thirty Germans and capturing eighteen with three machine-guns. This brilliant little episode stabilised a situation which was becoming dangerous.” Lieutenant S. Feary, the officer in command was wounded; he was subsequently awarded the D.S.O.’