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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 655

The 1917 D.S.O. group of four awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel H. M. Edwards, New Zealand Divisional Signal Company, Royal Engineers attached New Zealand Imperial Force, officer commanding that unit at Gallipoli, who was three times 'mentioned' throughout the war

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel; 1914-15 Star (Capt. H. M. Edwards. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (Major H. M. Edwards.), with M.I.D. oak leaves, overall good very fine (4)

D.S.O. London Gazette 4 June 1917.

M.I.D. London Gazette 5 November 1915; 4 January 1917; 18 May 1917.

Henry Molesworth Edwards was born in India on 6 October 1883, the son of Lionel and Caroline Edwards and was baptised at Dum Dum, Bengal. Attending the Royal Military College, Woolwich he graduated and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 27 August 1903. Advanced Lieutenant on 21 July 1906 and was still serving in that role on the outbreak of the Great War, being advanced Captain on 27 August 1914.

Edwards entered the war in Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 attached to the New Zealand Signal Company of the New Zealand Imperial Force as it's commanding officer. He received his first 'mention' there (London Gazette 5 November 1915 refers) and notably wrote the recommendation which saw Sapper Cyril Basset awarded the Victoria Cross.

Leaving the peninsula Edwards remained with the Company for the rest of the war, being 'mentioned again just prior to his award of the D.S.O. in 1917 (London Gazette 4 January 1917 refers). Advanced Brevet Major at some stage he was appointed to be acting Major from 15 March 1917 - 26 August 1918 whilst in Command of the Company. Earning one final mention (London Gazette 18 May 1917 refers) Edwards was transferred to the unemployed List on 28 February 1919.

Returning to the Royal Engineers he remained with the military post-war and was advanced Lieutenant-Colonel on 1 June 1929. Retiring on 1 December 1933, he settled in Hertfordshire dying at Bushey District Hospital, Bushey, Hertfordshire on 3 December 1956; sold together with copied research including copied extracts from the New Zealand Divisional Signals Company from June-November 1915.

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Sold for
£2,600

Starting price
£550