Lot Archive

Download Images

Lot

№ 897

.

5 April 2006

Hammer Price:
£2,600

Four: Captain H. P. Bennitt, Seaforth Highlanders, late Devon Artillery Militia, who died of wounds in France in October 1915

Africa General Service 1902-56, 3 clasps, Gambia, Somaliland 1902-04, Jidballi (Lieut. H. P. Bennitt, Devon Art. Mil.) high relief bust, and a rare combination of clasps from West and East Africa; 1914-15 Star (Capt., Sea. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt) nearly extremely fine and rare (4) £1200-1500

Harry Pynson Bennitt served in West Africa in 1901, attached to the King’s African Rifles, and accompainied the expedition in the Gambia, and during operations against Fodi Kabba (Medal with clasp). He was promoted to Captain in January 1902, and served in East Africa in 1904, including the operations in Somaliland and the action at Jidballi (Two clasps).

Captain Bennitt was recalled from the Reserve of Officers and appointed to the 7th (Service) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, on 18 December 1914. He died of wounds in France on 7 October 1915, and is buried in Etaples Nilitary Cemetery. He was aged 45 and was the son of Pynson and Mabel Bennitt, of Pomeroy Lodge, Totnes, Devon.