A scarce 1919 ‘British Military Mission to South Russia’ M.S.M. group of six awarded to Staff Sergeant Major 1st Class R. W. Gibbs, Army Service Corps

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith (14439. 2nd. Cpl. R. W. Gibbs. A.S.C.) engraved naming; 1914 Star (T-14439 C.Q.M. Sjt. R. W. Gibb [sic]. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (T-14439 W.O. Cl.1. R. W. Gibbs. A.S.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (T-14439 S.S. Mjr: R. W. Gibbs. A.S.C.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (T-14439 1.Cl. S.S. Mjr. R. W. Gibbs. R.A.S.C.) generally good very fine (6) £400-500

M.S.M. London Gazette 4 March 1920:
‘In recognition of valuable services rendered with the British Military Mission to South Russia.’

Robert William Gibbs was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, on 14 March 1878 and attested for the Army Service Corps at Brighton, Sussex, on 9 March 1899. He served with the Corps in South Africa during the Boer War, as a member of No. 27 Company, from 29 November 1899 until 24 June 1900, and was promoted 2nd Corporal on 1 May 1900. Advanced Company Quarter Master Sergeant on on 10 July 1908, he served with the British Expeditionary force during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 August 1914, and was promoted Staff Sergeant Major on 23 January 1915. He returned to the U.K. on 7 April 1915, and served out the remainder of the War at home, being further promoted to 1st Class Staff Sergeant Major on 1 April 1916. He was awarded his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 1 April 1918, and was ‘Mentioned’ in the Secretary of State for War’s List for valuable services rendered in connection with the War on 25 March 1919. From April to December 1919 he served with the British Military Mission to South Russia in an advisory capacity connected with the distribution of supplies and war materials made over by the Allies to the anti-Bolshevik forces, and for his valuable services during this period was awarded an ‘Immediate’ Meritorious Service Medal, one of only 91 awarded for the campaign. He was finally discharged on 1 May 1920, after 21 years and 54 days’ service.

Sold with copied discharge papers, medal roll extract and Medal Index Card, and other research.