Five: Major Hubert Francis Fitzwilliam Brabazon Foljambe, 2nd Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed in action leading his men at the Battle of the Aisne on 14 September 1914

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Natal, Transvaal (Capt., K.R.R.C.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (Cpt., K.R.R.C.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Major, K. R. Rif. C.); British War and Victory Medals (Major) all medals lacquered, first two with contact wear, therefore nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine (5) £2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to Great War Casualties from the Collection of the late Ian Livesley.

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The following is extracted from The British Roll of Honour of The Empire’s Heroes:

‘This gallant Officer was killed as he was leading his men in a flanking movement when the Allies were taking the heights after crossing the Aisne on 14 September 1914. A devoted husband and father, and a true friend, he possessed a rare personal charm. He was a typical regimental Officer and Company Commander, sincerely attached to his men, and by them deeply loved and implicitly trusted. They would have followed him anywhere, as extracts from numerous letters received by Mrs Foljambe from his brother Officers and men amply testify.

His Colour Sergeant wrote:

“He was killed instantly. He was brave and I miss him. The men all loved him.” This is from one of his Subalterns: “Nobody could have been kinder or more thoughtful than ‘Tom’ was on every occasion. He was so cheery on our long marches. We all adored him.” A late Subaltern wrote: “ He is an irreparable loss to all his brother Officers and to the regiment, and he will never be forgotten by the Officers and men who knew him in the regiment.”

“I have always,” said a brother Officer, “looked upon ‘Tom’ as one of the blameless and sinless people of the world. I can best sum him up by calling him a great gentleman. His death has been a glorious one and his example will always be one that shines before us who knew him, and for those who follow after him. Full of thought for others and yet firm in what he considered right, he was indeed a perfect gentle knight, without fear and reproach.”

A late Subaltern wrote: “He was my Captain when I first joined and the best friend I had for the first five years of my service, one of the best fellows that ever ‘stepped.’”

Major H.F.F.B. Foljambe was the son of the Right Hon. Francis John Savile Foljambe, P.C., High Steward of the Burgh of East Retford and Lady Gertrude Emily, eldest daughter of the 3rd Earl of Gosford. Born on 16 November 1872, and educated at Eton and Storrington (Sussex), he received his commission in the 2nd Battalion King’s Royal Rifles from the Militia in March 1895, being gazetted Captain of the 3rd Battalion in 1901 and Major of the 2nd Battalion in 1912. He served in the South African War and received the King’s Medal with two clasps and the Queen’s Medal with two clasps. He was for some time Commandant at Helbetia.’