Medal News

Published 10 times per year, the magazine features articles, news, auction reports and the world renowned Medal Tracker service, invaluable when searching for lost medals and trying to re-unite broken groups. This service, like the classified advertising, is free to subscribers. Also included is the what's on section that lets collectors know about fairs, societies, auctions etc.

A grand day out

News & views

Heating up! • After months of endless rain, the weather turned in May and finally spring arrived; it was here for about three days before summer turned up! But the unexpected rise in temperatures didn’t sap the enthusiasm of the bidders.

My delight that the first VCs from my Collection have gone on display at the National Army Museum • It has given me great pleasure that some of my Collection of Victoria Cross (VC) and George Cross (GC) gallantry medals have gone on display at the National Army Museum (NAM) for the first time. In due course, the entire collection—the largest of its kind in the world—will be exhibited at this splendid venue in central London.

Conflict Over Two Continents • BORN in 1814, Saint John Dobbin enlisted in the 9th Regiment of Foot in 1830. After serving in Ireland and Mauritius, his Regiment deployed to India in 1835. During the First Anglo-Afghan War, Dobbin's unit faced brutal heat and terrain, successfully securing the Khyber Pass and fighting hand-to-hand at Mammooh Khail and Tezeen Pass. Dobbin survived unscathed and was promoted to Sergeant. By 1845, instability following the death of Sikh leader, Ranjit Singh, sparked the First Anglo-Sikh War. The formidable Sikh army crossed the Sutlej River, heavily targeting elite British European regiments like the 9th Foot. This month, we continue his tale with the injury which, no doubt, was reflected in his multi-clasp medal.

"One of the most brilliant feats of the war"

FAR EASTERN DELIGHT • As all collectors know, when you’re traversing a collectors’ fair, you really need to keep your eyes open and be prepared for any surprises. I’m no expert on Honours and Awards from the Far East, but I recognised certain elements when I spotted this little gem in amongst a box containing badges, coins, jewellery and the like. As many of you may remember from previous articles, I have set myself the task of obtaining a miniature from every country in the world. This one brings me a fraction closer.

TO THE AID OF FRANCE • AWARDS TO FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS WITH THE FRENCH MEDICAL SERVICES 1914–18 Part 1: The French Red Cross

TALES OF GALES: The Northern Patrol 1914–17 • PART 6—DUEL TO THE DEATH

Just a bit of paper? • LAST month we read about acts of bravery which appear to have been understated in Operational Record Books, and how by delving deeper in to log books, letters, newspaper clippings, official endorsements and memorial scrolls can reveal richer stories behind the medals of World War II airmen than official records alone. Reed, Bricker, Couttie, Sutherland, McClelland, Creswell and Perrin were all aircrew who demonstrated incredible acts of bravery and their personal records, although each being “just a bit of paper,” tell us more about these dedicated servicemen. We continue to shine a light on their stories.

MAIL BOX • Here we publish a selection from the MEDAL NEWS postbag.

War Poet, Charles Causley

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