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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 236

‘He was one of the finest of many fine officers who gave their lives. He had endeared himself to all ranks by his kindliness and cheerfulness, and his efficiency had been a standard which his juniors admired and to which they strove to attain. He lived always in the hearts of “A” who, right to the end of the war, called themselves “Major Green’s Company.” A brother officer writes of Major H. Green: “I always felt a sense of solidity and integrity about him and a quiet strength of character which gave confidence to those about him.”’ - 'History of the 7th (City of London) Battalion The London Regiment', compiled by C. Digby Planck.

The Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque awarded in memory of Major H. S Green, The London Regiment, an Old Harrovian and Cambridge graduate who was killed in action at Poelkapelle in 1917

Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Horace Salkeld Green), contained within a contemporary fitted leather case with hinged front, the reverse bearing a label for Stacy Marks Ltd., Tunbridge Wells, case worn and scuffed, otherwise about extremely fine

Horace Salkeld Green, son of Charles Thomas and Eliza Margaret of South Norwood, London, was born on 25 January 1883 at Hastings and attended Harrow School (Church Hill) from 1897-1902, during which time he was a member (and became Captain) of the School Shooting VIII. Admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge in June 1902 and B.A. in 1905, he appears to have been a keen shot and won several prizes for his prowess on the ranges whilst at Cambridge, additionally being a member of the University Officers' Training Corps.

From there, moving to London he found employment as a Junior Clerk in the House of Commons and also joined the Inns of Court O.T.C., again winning prizes for his skilled shooting. Commissioned into the 7th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment, in December 1910, his professional life also prospered, and he was promoted to Assistant Clerk in the Commons in 1913. Green volunteered for active service in August 1914 but was initially rejected on medical grounds: however, after several attempts he was passed fit, and (by now a Major) landed in France on 26 January 1917. Immediately sent into the thick of the fighting commanding a Company, he was killed in action (being hit by a shell splinter) whilst walking between his platoons, encouraging and steadying his men during a German bombardment. Notification of a well-earned Mention in Despatches appeared in the London Gazette (24 December 1917), as did confirmation of his promotion to Major.

Horace Salkeld Green is buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery and additionally commemorated upon the Great War memorials in the House of Commons, Harrow School, and Trinity College, Cambridge. His campaign medals (sent to his widowed mother) are known to be held by the Parliamentary Art Collection.

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Sold for
£320

Starting price
£110