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Picture courtesy of DNW

CB (Military) n/b, s/g;
QSA (4) Cape Colony, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (Capt: & Adjt: R. L. Mullens, 2/Drgn: Gds:);
KSA (2) (Maj. & Adjt. R. L. Mullens. 2/Drgn. Gds.);
1914 Star (Lt: Col: R. L. Mulens. 4/D. Gds.);
BWM and VM with MID oak leaves (Maj. Gen.R. L. Mullens.);
Defence Medal;
Jubilee 1897, silver;
Coronation 1911;
Belgium, Order of the Crown, Commander’s neck badge, gilt and enamels, of recent manufacture;
Belgium, Croix de Guerre;
France, Croix de Guerre, avec Palmes.



CB LG 1 January 1917.

MID LG 20 October 1914; 9 December 1914; 17 February 1915; 1 January 1916; 4 January 1917; 11 December 1917; and 20 December 1918.

Richard Lucas Mullens was born on 25 February 1871, and educated at Eton. He was commissioned into the 16th Lancers in 1890, transferred to the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays) in 1896, and was promoted to Captain in 1899.

He served in South Africa as Adjutant of the regiment and was present in operations on the Orange Free State, including actions at Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River and Zand River. Operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill. Operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, including action at Elands River. Operations in Orange River Colony, including actions at Bethlehem and Wittebergen. Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River 1899-1900, including actions at Colesburg. Operations in the Transvaal, March to April 1902; Operations in Orange River Colony, January to March 1902, April 1902; Operations in Cape Colony, December 1901 to January 1902, April to May 1902. He was severely wounded and mentioned in despatches for valuable work in action at Holspruit (Leeukop) on 1 April 1902 (Despatches, LG 10 September 1901, and 18 July 1902; Brevet of Major; Queen’s medal with 4 clasps; King’s medal with 4 clasps).

From 1903 to 1905 he was at the Staff College, and after holding an appointment as a Brigade Major was given command of the 4th Dragoon Guards in 1911.

On the outbreak of war in 1914 he took the 4th Dragoon Guards to France where, on 22 August 1914, C Squadron of the Regiment became the first unit of the BEF to engage the enemy in action. On this date they charged a column of Uhlans outside Mons, Belgium, capturing a number of prisoners. Two days later, the 9th Lancers and the 4th Dragoon Guards attempted a charge across an open field at Audregnies. Facing an unbroken German line of rifle, machine-gun and artillery fire, their ranks were decimated. Within two months Mullens was selected to command 2 Cavalry Brigade (4th Dragoon Guards, 9th Lancers, and 18th Hussars) and, after 12 months in this command he was promoted to the command of 1 Cavalry Division, and retained the appointment until April 1919. He was made a CB in January 1917, and retired in 1920.

Sold with comprehensive research including copied Medal Index Card which possibly suggests that Great War medals were replaced ‘11/11/83’ but the trio offered above appear to be original issues.

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (3) Cape Colony, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5386 Pte., 2nd Dragoon Gds.);
1914-15 Star (RTS-4227 Cpl., A.S.C.);
BWM and VM (RTS-4227 W.O. Cl. 2, A.S.C.)

Henry James Harrison was born in Camberwell, Surrey. A Printer by occupation and a member of the 1st City of London Volunteer Artillery, he attested for the Dragoons of the Line at London on 21 November 1900, aged 19 years, 1 month. Posted to the 2nd Dragoon Guards, he served in South Africa, November 1901-March 1904. He transferred to the Royal Garrison Artillery in February 1904; transferred to the Reserve in November 1908 and was discharged on 20 November 1912. With the onset of the Great War, Harrison enlisted into the A.S.C. and served as a Warrant Officer Class and was employed on conducting duties in the Egypt theatre of war during 1914-1915.

DNW June 2014 £130

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (5) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4579 Pte., 2nd Drgn. Gds.);
[ 1914-15 Star ];
BWM 1914-20 (P-1037 L. Cpl., MMP.);
[ VM ];
Coronation 1911, Metropolitan Police (P.C. C. Walden);
together with a L.C.C. School Attendance Medal, GV (1) 1919-20 (V. Walden), with brooch bar.

Lance-Corporal C. R. Walden, Military Mounted Police, entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 19 July 1915. He was discharged to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 3 August 1919.

DNW March 2014 £240

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (5) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4997 Pte. J. Betts. 2nd Dragoon Gds:);
South African Prisons Service, Faithful Service Medal (No 956/T H Wr. J. Betts.) .

Joseph Betts was born in London and attested for the 2nd Dragoon Guards on 5 December 1899. He served in South Africa from 16 November 1901 to 8 December 1906, when he transferred to Army Reserve. He was discharged on completion of his first period of limited engagement on 4 December 1911. He afterwards joined the South African Prisons Service.

DNW December 2019 £160

Pictures courtesy of J Collins Medals

MC GV and bar;
QSA (5) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3946 SERJT J J Sedgewick 2nd Drgn Gds);
1914/15 Star (2DG-3946 SQ S MJR J Sedgewick 2-D Gds);
British War and Victory Medals (Capt J Sedgewick)
Army LS&GC GV (3946 SQ S MJR J Sedgwick 2/D Gds).

John Sedgewick was born in Kendal, Westmoreland 13th August 1873, he served in the ranks of the 2nd Dragoon Guards 22 years 168 days, Warrant Officer Class II for 2 years 139 days including the War in South Africa. Serving in Egypt 5thNovember 1914 to 3rd June 1915, France and Belgium 14th July 1915 to 11th November 1918 (Three times wounded), Russia 10th April 1919 to 8th October 1919, retired 30th January 1920. First World War Medals sent to his home address 6 Brunswick Terrace, Stafford. He married Grace Marion Nokes in South Africa 1st March 1904 they had a daughter Grace Constance (1904 – 1988) a Marksman, Captain Sedgewick was the runner up for HM THE King’s Prize at Bisley in 1934, he died 13th August 1940 at his home 54 Cranmore Lane, Aldershot, Hampshire.



Sergeant Sedgewick standing second from the right whilst serving as Permanent Staff Westminster Dragoons 1912

Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant from Squadron Sergeant Major in the Field into the Durham Light Infantry 16th June 1917 (London Gazette 16th August 1917 page 8436 refers).

Military Cross London Gazette 26th November 1917 page 12321, citation London Gazette 6th April 1918 page 4227. 2nd Lieutenant John Sedgwick, Durham Light Infantry attached 15th Battalion: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty (in the attack on 4th October 1917 to take Reutel, Third Battle of Ypres). He led his company forward under heavy shell fire to a flank position of great danger, which he successfully consolidated. Though twice wounded, he refused to leave his men, and by his courage and energy was responsible for repelling an enemy counter attack. When his Commanding Officer was killed, he took command of the Battalion and successfully brought it out of action”.

The Durham Light Infantry in the Field 1914-18 by Captain Wilfred Miles, Cassell & Co Ltd, London, 1920 pages 190 to 1911 records –

“The Brigade attacked in the wind and rain at 0600 hours 4th October with their right on the Hooge – Reutel Road. Three hundred yards ahead was Joist Farm and the Polygonbeke stream had to be crossed before Reutel was reached. Joist Farm was only carried after fierce fighting and the stream was enfiladed from the right, and therefore not easy to cross. But this was done and all three Yorkshire Battalions then attacked the pill boxes on the rising ground beyond. To the south the 5th Division had found it more difficult to get forward and 2nd Lieutenant J Sedgwick (sic) with the (now combined) A and B Companies of the 15th Battalion, sent up under heavy fire to dig in on the Joist Farm Line, altered his dispositions. The Company established themselves south of Joist Farm, facing south and south east along the north edge of Cameron Covert. This was accomplished by 1400 hours and the East Yorkshires prolonged the line forward.

The British guns had already broken up one counter attackand a more serious advance noe threatened from the south east. The Germans coming on with great determination, established Machine Guns in Polderhoek Chateau, and entered Cameron Covert in large numbers. But John Sedgwick’s men used their rifles and Lewis Guns with great effect and held the enemy at bay. At 2100 hours touch was obtained on the right with troops of the 5th Division and soon afterwards Colonel Falvey-Beyts came forward with the rest of the 15th and joined the combined A and B Company. Early on the morning of 5th October the Commanding Officer organised an attack on a pill box containing three Machine Guns in Cameron Covert, but the Germans surrendered to the attacking party under Lieutenant C S Herbert. Hostile shell fire was heavy all day and the Germans advanced again in the evening, in another counter attack at 2300 hours Colonel Falvey – Beyts was killed and the Adjutant Captain M R Pease was wounded. Lieutenant Sedgwick assumed command of the Battalion, he was awarded the Military Cross.”

In the heavy fighting of the four days commencing 21st March 1918 the 15th Battalion lost 486 killed, wounded and missing including Captain Sedgwick, MC wounded.

Bar to the Military Cross 8th March 1919 page 3232, citation London Gazette 4th October 1919 page 12253. 2nd Lieutenant (Acting Captain) John Sedgwick, MC, Durham Light Infantry attached 15th Battalion; “Near Vendegies Au Bois 23rd October 1918, he showed conspicuous skill and gallantry in leading his company. When his right flank was held up he at once organised a flank attack which cleared out several troublesome Machine Gun nests with the bayonet. At the same time, he continued to push forward his Company and secured his first objective. His Commanding Officer becoming a casualty, he then took over command of the Battalion and led a successful attack”.

The Durham Light Infantry in the Field 1914-18 by Captain Wilfred Miles, Cassell & Co Ltd, London, 1920 pages 328 to 329 records –

“The 15th took over the whole Brigade front during the morning of 23rd October 1918, while tanks were pushing forward, the other Battalions forming a defensive flank to the right where the advance had not progressed so far. The 62nd Brigade came through the 15th in order to carry on the attack and by the evening the line had been established, north east of the village. Heavy shell and Machine Gun fire prevented and further movement that day, but operations were resumed on 24th October. The KOYLI were again upon the right and the 15th on the left joined with 62nd Brigade. While assembling for the attack gas shells caused many casualties, but before 0400 hours the line went forward under a barrage, which did not cow the German Machine Gunners. These were tackled with the bayonet and the Durhams swept on, Captain John Sedgwick, MC, leading his men with great gallantry and resolution. The enemy fought hard in the village of Poix-du-Nord and here Colonel Neeves was wounded. Captain Sedgwick who won a bar to his Military Cross succeeded him and although the hostile shell fire was increasing, the village was taken with many prisoners.”

Sold for £3,250

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (4) Relief of Mafeking, Paardeberg, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (Capt. H. P. Sykes. 2/Drgn. Gds:), dated clasp a period copy;
British War and Victory Medals (Lt. Col. H. P. Sykes);
Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (Lt. Col. H. P. Sykes. Denbigh. Yeo.);
Coronation 1911 with replacement suspension

Spink state that approximately 18 Territorial Force War Medals issued to the Officers of the Denbighshire Yeomanry.

MID London Gazette 10 September 1901. A newspaper extract provides:

'Major Harold Sykes, of the 2nd Dragoon Guards, has returned to England on a short furlough, after being on active service in South Africa. To our Stockport Correspondent he said he arranged the first of the refugee concentrated camps, and when he left he had a camp of about 6000 women and children under his care. All charges of cruelty and inhumanity were vile and calumnious falsehoods. Nay, worse, they were miserable, despicable concoctions. Both women and children were better off, the great bulk of them than ever they were in their lives. The only thing approaching cruelty to them was that the authorities insisted upon cleanliness and proper attention to sanitary regulations, which the average Boer, being a stranger to, utterly disliked. He had seen all the workings of these camps. He could give an unqualified denial to all the villainous allegations that had recently been made in public meeting and in the House of Commons. There might be restrictions in camp life which were distasteful to the Boer, but what was to be done? When left in charge of their farms, each homestead was a commissariat department and an arsenal. The British would come upon them and find, say, four, five, or six bags of what or corn, as the case might be. They would take the corn and the rifles, leaving enough only for present necessities; but if they returned in four or five days they would find nearly double the quantity of both food and ammunition which had been taken away, and often have reports of the sniping of British soldiers as a result of leniency. He therefore recommended this scheme of camps which appeared to give so much umbrage to the pro-Boer school. At first Lord Roberts did not fall in with the suggestions, but later, when the sniping and the opposition and treachery of the women on the farms became so intolerableand such a menace to the safety of the lives of British troops, the Commander-in-Chief fell in with the arrangement and agreed to their formation. He (Major Sykes) was, therefore, specially interested in giving an unqualified denial to the calumnies and the lies which from the basest motives several politicians had recently given utterance to.

The food supplied to the camp was ample, and the best of its kind. The rations supplied weekly consisted of 7lb. meal or flour; 3lb. meat; 6oz. sugar; 6oz. coffee and 2oz. or 3oz. salt, per adult. Water was plentiful, but about the supply of milk for such a camp there was at present a difficulty. A number of cows were kept, and milked regularly for the sick, the weakly, and the children, and when this was not sufficient, they had a good supply of tinned milk. For the use of the sick and those in hospital, the Medical Officer had carte blanche for anything that he might deem necessary, however luxurious or costly. There was no stint in such cases. The death-rate might appear high, but when it was taken into consideration that the whole of the district under his administration was at large as Ireland, and that people were gathered together from all quarters it was not very striking that the mortality should appear high. The medical men told him that there was no very great increase over the normal death rate under their old conditions. There were shops in the camp at which people might purchase at any time such little luxuries as they fancy. The able-bodied both of women and boys were made to work at something, and they were paid for what they did. The pay was not great, threepence, sixpence, or one shilling a day, but it nevertheless allowed them to buy little delicacies over and above their rations.

Harold Platt Sykes was born on 16 February 1865, he became 2nd Lieutenant with the 2nd Dragoon Guards on 16 November 1897; Lieutenant 9 December 1892 and Captain on 10 March 1897. He was employed with the Remount Department (graded Staff Captain) from 4 December 1899-18 March 1900. He was then attached to the Kimberley Mounted Corps serving with 'A' Division, South African Constabulary between 23 October 1900-10 October 1901.

When the Great War was declared on 4 August 1914, the Denbighshire Hussars mobilised at their drill halls under the command of Sykes, who had been in command since 21 December 1910, he saw service overseas in Egypt from 3 March 1916 and applied for his Great War Medals in June 1922. At the time he was living at Longford Hall, Newport, Salop. He died on 13 February 1942.

Sold together with the following archive comprising:

(i)
A letter sent to his father from the Remount Depot, dated 18 December 1899, where he notes he is cursed with "incompetent generals" amongst other experiences.

(ii)
Assorted newspaper cuttings relating to the Boer War and his involvement with concentrated camps.

(iii)

Assorted photographs from a Field Day from c.1914.

(iv)
A letter addressed to him at No.12 Officers Convalescent Hospital, Garden City, Cairo, dated 2 May 16 from a fellow officer, Denbigh Yeomanry El Alamein. The letter updates him on the situation of the unit and wishes him a speedy recovery.

(v)
A menu from the Mafeking Dinner, dated 16 May 1908.

(vi)
A certificate for Mrs W.Sykes for her service in the Woman Home Guard Auxiliary.