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Auction: 7022 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 1236

A Scarce and Unusual Great War Subaltern´s D.S.O. for Gallantry Group of Six to Second Lieutenant A. Blande, Royal Fusiliers, Later Wing Commander, Royal Air Force, For Leading a Depleted Company of the 24th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, Against a Strong Enemy Defensive Position Near Rumilly, France, and Captured It a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar b) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (2. Lieut. A. Blande.) c) Defence and War Medals d) Air Force Efficiency, G.VI.R. (Act. Wg. Cdr. A. Blande. A.A.F.), nearly extremely fine (6) Estimate £ 1,600-1,800 D.S.O. London Gazette 8.3.1919 Temp. Second Lieutenant A. Blande 24th Battn. Royal Fusiliers The Citation, published in the London Gazette 4.10.1919, states: ´Mt. Sur l´Oeuvre, on the high ground north of Rumilly, had been organised for a determined defence by the enemy, and it had defied several attacks. On 1 Oct. 1918, he led his greatly depleted company against it successfully, capturing in all some 400 prisoners and 40 machine guns. He showed marked courage and ability to command.´ Wing Commander Alfred Blande, D.S.O., commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant 24th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, 28.11.1917; saw further service during the Second World War and was commissioned Flying Officer General Duties (Balloons) Branch Auxiliary Air Force, 13.3.1939; the Auxiliary Air Force had 47 Balloon Squadrons at the outbreak of the War, and were credited with the destruction of 279 V1 flying bombs; Temporary Squadron Leader, 1.12.1941; and later given the acting rank of Wing Commander (Air Efficiency Award 25.5.1950). Rumilly is situated South East of Dijon, in the mountainous area near the Italian/ Swiss border.

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£2,200