The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery

A Great War O.B.E. group of six awarded to Quartermaster (Captain) T. Matthews, Royal Horse Artillery

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1917; Ashanti Star 1896, unnamed as issued; East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1897-98 (63674 Serjt: T. Matthews. R.H.A.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (63674 Sgt. T. Matthews. R.H.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (63674 B. Qr:- Mr:- Seejt: T. Matthews. R.H.A.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Q.M. & Capt. T. Matthews) mounted as worn on somewhat frayed ribands, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise generally nearly very fine and better (6) £1,000-£1,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 7 January 1918.

Thomas Matthews attested for the Royal Horse Artillery on 23 November 1886, ‘and served continuously in the R.H.A. from that date to 31 December 1912, a total period of 7 years. His character was exemplary. He served in the Ashanti Expedition of 1895-96; he assisted to raise and train the West African Frontier Force in 1897-98 (medal and clasp, and Mentioned in Despatches); and he served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902 (Queen’s Medal with six clasps, and King’s Medal with two clasps).’ (statement of service refers).

Matthew re-joined for Great War service on 6 September 1914, and assisted to train and form the 12th Division Artillery. He was appointed Lieutenant and Quartermaster on 27 January 1915, and was posted to Glasgow. The following year he was posted to 5 ‘C’ Reserve Brigade, R.F.A., at Colchester, and was promoted Captain in 1917. His final appointment was to the School of Instruction, Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery. For his services during the Great War he was twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 7 January 1917 and 3 June 1919), and was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire. He was demobilised on 1 April 1920.

Sold with a photocopied Statement of Service.