Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (SE-4829 Pte. -A.Sjt. H. de Bolla. R.A.V.C.) extremely fine £140-£180

M.S.M. London Gazette 18 January 1919:
‘In recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in France and Flanders.’

49 ‘France and Flanders’ Meritorious Service Medals awarded to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

Henry de Bolla enlisted under the General enlistment for the duration of the War, and served during the Great War with the 19th Mobile Veterinary Section, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Mobile Veterinary Sections were small units (generally composed of around 20 other ranks under an officer) and were in effect providers of first aid medical care for sick, wounded or injured horses and other animals used by all the units of the Division to which they were attached. The M.V.S. would also provide evacuation to Base Veterinary Hospitals of animals requiring greater care than it could provide. de Bolla’s unit served in Egypt, Suez, and Gallipoli, before taking part in the Battle of Romani, Palestine, before proceeding to the Western Front in 1917. For his services during the Great War de Bolla was additionally Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 14 December 1917).