The Collection of Medals Formed by The Late John Cooper

Fifteen: His Highness Prince Alexander of Battenberg, Marquess of Carisbrooke, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., Captain in the Grenadier Guards, and Hon. Colonel of the Isle of Wight Volunteers

1914 Star, with clasp (Lieut. Marquess of Carisbrooke, G.C.V.O., G. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. Marquess of Carisbrooke); Defence & War Medals; Jubilee 1897, gold; Coronation 1902, silver; Coronation 1911; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953; Russia, Order of St Vladimir, breast badge with swords, silver-gilt and enamels, reverse centre lacking; Egypt, Order of the Nile, breast badge, silver, gilt and enamels; Belgium, Order of Leopold I, Officer’s breast badge with swords, silver-gilt and enamels; France, Croix de Guerre 1914-18, with bronze palme, the group mounted ‘Court’ style as worn, the Star and Victory Medal gilded, edge bruise to the Jubilee 1897 and generally some light contact marks, otherwise very fine or better (15) £2500-3000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed by The Late John Cooper.

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The Most Hon. Sir Alexander Albert Mountbatten, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., 1st Marquess of Carisbrooke, Earl of Berkhampstead and Viscout Launceston, was born on 23 November 1886, the eldest son of Prince Henry of Battenberg by his marriage to Princess Beatrice, youngest daughter of Queen Victoria. He was educated at Wellington and in the Britannia, and served in the Royal Navy from 1902 to 1908. Later he received a commission in the Grenadier Guards and served in the War of 1914-18 with his regiment and afterwards on the Staff. His services were mentioned in despatches twice London Gazette 21 June 1916 and 25 January 1917.

After the war he took up a business career, for a time working as a clerk in the offices of Lazard Brothers, the bankers. Subsequently he joined the board of several large firms including the Eagle Star Insurance Company. His engagement to Lady Irene Denison, the only daughter of the 2nd Earl of Londesborough, was announced in May 1917. He was still Captain His Highness Prince Alexander of Battenberg; he had been granted the title of “Highness” by Royal warrant in 1886. In the interval before the marriage, at the King’s request, he discontinued by Royal warrant the style of “Highness” and assumed the surname of Mountbatten. Then on 17 July 1917, he was created Marquess of Carisbrooke, Earl of Berkhampstead and Viscout Launceston. Two days later the marriage was celebrated in the Chapel Royal and was attended by the King and Queen, Queen Alexandra, and the other members of the Royal Family.

In the War of 1939-45 Carisbrooke served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and in 1953 was appointed an honorary Group Captain. In 1949 he became honorary Colonel of the 1st (C) Battalion, The London Rifle Brigade (The Rifle Brigade), and later of the Isle of Wight Volunteers. He was a senior steward of the National Greyhound Racing Club, president of the Bribery Prevention League, and London president of the Old Contemptibles. He was created K.C.V.O. in 1910, G.C.V.O. in 1911, and G.C.B. in 1927. He was Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and also had Orders from Belgium, Egypt, Roumania, Russia and Spain. The Marquess of Carisbrooke died on 23 February 1960.