Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War Egypt operations M.B.E. group of six awarded to Captain H. S. Smith, Royal Engineers, earlier the recipient of one of only three known “raised dates” Queen’s South Africa Medals to the British Army

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, hallmarks for London 1919; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, reverse with raised dates ‘1899-1900’, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Johannesburg (19467 Q.M.S. H. S. Smith, R.E.); 1914 Star, with clasp (19467 Supdt.-Clk. H. S. Smith, R.E.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. H. S. Smith); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (19467 Qr. Mr. Serjt. H. T.(sic) Smith, R.E.), the first with repaired suspension claw, occasional surface scratches, otherwise very fine and a unique “raised dates” group (6) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Barrett J. Carr Collection of Boer War Medals.

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One of only three “raised dates” Queen’s South Africa Medals known to members of the British Army, the majority of course having been issued to Lord Strathcona’s Horse.

M.B.E. London Gazette 12 December 1919:

‘In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with military operations in Egypt and Palestine.’

Henry Surridge Smith, who was born in April 1868, served for a little over 23 years in the ranks of the Royal Engineers, in which period he qualified for his 3-clasp Queen’s South Africa Medal prior to being invalided back home in October 1900 - reason indeed to issue him with an ‘1899-1900’ raised dates award. Having then added the L.S. & G.C. Medal to his accolades in October 1901, and been appointed Superintending Clerk (Warrant Officer Class II) in March 1907, he was commissioned as a Temporary Captain in July 1915, while serving in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. In addition to his subsequent award of the M.B.E., he won a “mention” from General A. J. Murray, Egyptian Expeditonary Force, ‘For gallant and distinguished services in the Field’ (London Gazette 11 January 1918 refers).