Orders, Decorations and Medals

Eight: Captain Robert Keith Valentine, Hong Kong Defence Force, late Middlesex Regiment and Labour Corps, a prisoner-of-war of the Japanese

1914-15 Star (1217 L. Cpl., Midd’x. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf, these unnamed; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Hong Kong, unnamed, mounted court style for wear, nearly very fine and better (8) £320-360

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Long Service Medals from the Collection formed by John Tamplin.

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Robert Keith Valentine was born on 24 July 1897 the son of James Valentine of Aberdeen and Shanghai. He entered the Great War as a Lance-Corporal in the Middlesex Regiment. He was then granted a commission as a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant in the Labour Corps on 24 September 1918. Promoted to Lieutenant in August 1919, he relinquished his commission on completion of service on 24 October 1919, retaining the rank of Lieutenant. After the war he moved to Hong Kong, and on 1 October 1920 he enlisted as a Private in the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, serving until May 1923. He served again from 20 April 1926 to 22 May 1928 when he was then a Sergeant. He was appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps on 23 May 1928, serving in the Armoured Car Company. Valentine was promoted to Lieutenant on 21 April 1929, and on 2 April 1930 he transferred to the Reserve of Officers. On the outbreak of war, he was appointed a Captain on 23 April 1940. He fought in the battle of Hong Kong and became a prisoner-of-war. For his services he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 29 August 1946). For his long service he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (Hong Kong), this published in the Hong Kong Government Gazette of 10 September 1948. In May 1949 he relinquished his commission and retained the honorary rank of Captain.

In civilian life, Valentine was a Director of Dodwell & Co. Ltd. and of Dodwell Motors Ltd. In 1955 he became a Member of the Livery of the City of London Turners’ Company. At this time he was living in Westerham, Kent; he later lived at Ferndown, Dorset. Sold with original M.I.D. Certificate; riband bar; case for E.D., and copied photograph and research.