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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 656

(x) The Great War '1918' D.S.O., 1916' M.C., Croix de Guerre group of seven awarded to Major E. W. Hughes, 6th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Rifles), who was further 'mentioned' four times during the war

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse of suspension bar inscribed 'London Regiment. 1st January 1918'; Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse engraved 'Captain Edward William Hughes, 6th Bn. City of London Regt. (T.F.) 3rd June 1916'; 1914-15 Star (Capt. E. W. Hughes. 6/Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Major E. W. Hughes.); Territorial Efficiency Decoration, G.V.R., reverse engraved 'January 1925'; French Croix de Guerre 1914-1917, with star on ribbon, mounted as worn but lacking pin, good very fine (7)

D.S.O. London Gazette 1 January 1918.

M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1916.

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1916, 15 May 1917, 11 December 1917, 5 July 1919.

Edward William Hughes was born at Hove, Sussex in 1890, the son of William and Julia Hughes. Commissioned into the Territorial Forces 1/6th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (Rifles) in 1900 he was advanced Lieutenant in January 1913. At the outbreak of the Great War, the Regiment was part of the 2nd London Division, stationed at Watford, there Hughes was further promoted Captain in September 1914.

The Battalion crossed to France on board the S.S. Marguerite from Southampton to Le Havre from 17-18 March 1915 although Hughes' MIC does not give an exact date. In May 1915, the machine gun sections of the Battalions of 47 Division were united into Brigade Machine Gun Companies, of which Hughes commanded the 1/6th London Regiment section which formed part of 140 Brigade Machine Gun Company.

The Regiment was part of 140 Brigade in 47 Division and fought at the battles of Aubers Ridge (9 May 1915), Festubert (15-25 May 1915), Loos (25 September-10 October 1915) and Hohenzollern Redoubt (13-18 October 1915). The next year Hughes left the Brigade Machine Gun section in March 1916 and was in action again at Vimy Ridge on 2 May 1916.

He was promoted to Major on 1 June 1916 and interestingly signed off the Battalion Operations Orders in November 1916 has 'commanding 6th Bn London Regt.', presumably an acting role at the time. Posted to the staff of 140 Brigade as Machine Gun Officer until March 1918, when he was posted as D.A.A. & A.Q.M.G. to 1st Division until the end of the war.

In 1920 he rejoined 1/6 London Regiment as second-in-command and commanded it in the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel from 1925-28. He died on 17 November 1958, aged 79.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£2,400

Starting price
£1400