Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 559

The well-documented campaign group of five awarded to Major A. G. Cheston, 2nd Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, who was 'mentioned' for his part in the Battle of Sidi Barrani and the Damascus Road, when the Carrier Officer for the Battalion

1939-1945 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine (Lot)

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 December 1941.

Arthur Gordon Cheston was born at Lowfield Heath on 6 October 1917 and was educated at Hurstpierpoint College from 1931-34. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, Cheston was living at 124 Oxford Road, Reading and he became an Officer Cadet Reserve in June 1938. Having had his interview in September 1939, he was clearly a well-connected individual, for he wrote to General Sir Ivo Vesey K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G., D.S.O., Colonel of The Queen's Regiment at that time, in order to be considered to be commissioned into the unit.

That request was granted and he was made 2nd Lieutenant from 13 January 1940. He joined the 2nd Battalion and soon found himself out in the Middle East. Cheston was to serve in 'B' Company as Carrier Officer and was noted in the Regimental History Volume VIII as having captured 50 Italian enemies for the bag at the Battle of Sidi Barrani on 10 December 1940. He was to further distinguish himself during the attack on the Damascus-Beirut Road on 24 June 1941, still with 'B' Company, when:

'The carriers under Lieutenant Cheston showed great enterprise in engaging the more heavily armed Vichy armoured cars and greatly helped the advance of the Companies.'

That action cost the life of Lieutenant C. E. W. Hull M.C., whilst Cheston was duly rewarded with his 'mention'.

He appears to have thence proceeded out with his Battalion to Burma, before taking up some Staff postings before War's end, including being with the HQ Southern Army at Jhansi in October 1944. He was made Staff Officer III in June 1945, serving with HQ 21 Army Group, the HQ Military Government in the North Rhine Province while also being with the Control Commission in Germany. Cheston was made Staff Officer II in October and would appear to have also served on the Staff of Lieutenant-General Sir Oliver William Hargreaves Leese, 3rd Batallion along the way.

He was discharged on 25 June 1946, having attended The Queen's Royal Regiment 32nd Annual Dinner at Kennard's at the start of that month. He died on 14 March 2010 and is buried in All Saints and St Nicholas Churchyard, Icklesham.

Sold together with a comprehensive archive comprising:

i)
His dress uniform, to include tunic, trousers and Sam Browne belt, besides shoulder titles and shoulder rank insignia.

ii)
Various documents related to his Cadetship and commissioning.

iii)
Battalion Orders, several marked SECRET, for the units movements in 1940 in the Middle East, with the recipient named.

iv)
Notebook (S.O. Book 136 Type), as used whilst Carrier Officer, with nominal roll of those under his command.

v)
A plethora of passes, telegrams, programmes and other original items, including details of discharge, portrait photographs and more.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£350

Starting price
£200