Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An inter-War C.B., Great War C.M.G. group of nine awarded to Major-General W. S. Anthony, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, who served as Director of Veterinary Services to Indian Expeditionary Force “D” in Mesopotamia during the Great War, was three times Mentioned in Despatches, and was later Colonel Commandant, Royal Army Veterinary Corps

The Most Honourable Order of The Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with full neck riband; The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with full neck riband; India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (Vety. Ltt. W. S. Anthony A.V. Deptt.); 1914-15 Star (Major W. S. Anthony. A.V.C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. W. S. Anthony.); Delhi Durbar 1911, unnamed as issued; Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued; Coronation 1937, unnamed as issued, mounted court-style for display purposes, nearly extremely fine (9) £2,400-£2,800

Dix Noonan Webb, September 2004.

C.B. London Gazette 1 January 1930.

C.M.G. London Gazette 1 January 1919.

William Samuel Anthony was born in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, on 3 January 1874. Commissioned into the Army Veterinary Department, he served with them in the operations on the Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (Medal with clasp). Promoted Captain in October 1903, and Major, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, in October 1911, he served during the Great War with the Indian Expeditionary Force “D” in Mesopotamia from November 1914 to June 1917, at various times as Deputy Director, Assistant Director, and Director of Veterinary Services in that theatre. For his services during the Great War he was three times Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 5 April 1916, 19 October 1916, and 15 August 1917); was promoted brevet Lieutenant-Colonel; and was appointed a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.

Post-War, Anthony was advanced Major-General, and was appointed Director-General, Army Veterinary Services at the War Office in 1929, being appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the following year’s New Year’s Honours’ list. He transferred to the Retired List in 1933, and the following year he became Colonel Commandant of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. He died in Surrey on 15 November 1943.

Sold with a portrait photographic image of the recipient; and copied research.

For the recipient’s related miniature awards, see Lot 533.