Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War O.B.E. group of four awarded to Major E. W. Arnott, Royal Field Artillery

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarked London 1918; 1914-15 Star (Capt. E. W. Arnott. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. E. W. Arnott.) mounted court-style, together with companion set of miniatures, both sets contained in a contemporary Garrard & Co. Ltd carrying case, extremely fine (4) £200-£260

Edward Whiston Arnott was the son of one of the richest men in Monmouthshire. His father had a ‘rags to riches’ story which enabled his sons to be educated in the best schools and universities. Edward was educated at Wycliffe College, in Stonehouse, near Stroud and then at Cambridge University where he obtained a degree in Law. In 1909 he was commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery, but resigned his commission in 1913 to continue working as a barrister.

On the outbreak of the Great War he volunteered for service and joined the Royal Field Artillery, Welsh Brigade. He served on the Western Front from November 1915 to February 1916, and then went to Egypt and was invalided home in June 1916. In July 1916 he was involved in anti-aircraft duties with the Woolwich defences and commanded No. 6 and No. 38 Anti-aircraft companies. He was second-in-command of the Nottingham Anti-aircraft defence from November 1917 to April 1918, when he moved to post of Adjutant of Anti-aircraft Brigade, Parkhurst, Isle of Wight.

He was demobilised in December 1918 as his services were urgently needed by the government at the Treasury. He was a Director of the South Wales Coal Control Board in 1939. He died at Westminster following surgery for prostate cancer on 31 December 1950.

Sold with comprehensive research on paper and on CD, Officer Service Record, Medal Index Card, all Gazette notices, Censuses for 1891, 1900, 1911, Copy 1939 Register, Masonic Lodge Record, Baptism Record, Passenger List 1908, Marriage Record, Death Certificate, and Probate Record.