Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional M.B.E. ‘Gallipoli’ D.C.M. group of ten awarded to Captain (late Regimental Sergeant Major) H. Westlake, South Wales Borderers, who also participated in the expedition against the German occupied Chinese territory of Kiaochau, and its port of Tsingtao in September 1914

The Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) 2nd type; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2-4961 S. Mjr., 2/S.W. Bord.); Queen’s South Africa, 4 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg (4961 Sejt., S. Wales B.); King’s South Africa, 2 clasps (4961 Clr.-Serjt., S. Wales Bord.); 1914-15 Star (4961 S. Mjr., S. Wales Bord.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (4961 W.O.Cl.1, S. Wales Bord.); Coronation 1937, edge inscribed ‘Captain, M.B.E., D.C.M.’; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (4961 S. Mjr., S.W. Bord.); France, Medaille Militaire, Star and Victory gilded and Medaille Militaire with enamel damage, some edge bruising and contact wear, generally very fine or better (10) £800-1000

D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1916. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and good work since the 25th April 1915 at Helles. On the 21st August at Suvla Bay he displayed great courage and resource in organising the water, ammunition, and tool parties under fire.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 28 January 1916 (Gallipoli).

France, Medaille Militaire London Gazette 24 February 1916 (Gallipoli).

Captain Henry Westlake served in the Boer War with the Mounted Infantry. On the outbreak of the Great War he was present with the 2nd Battalion in China where they formed part of the international garrison at Tientsin. In September 1914 this battalion, supported by half a battalion of the 36th Sikhs sailed to join their allies, the Japanese, in an expedition against the German occupied territory of Kiaochau and its port of Tsingtao. They encountered little hard fighting, suffering in total about 50 casualties, however the extremely arduous conditions and bad weather caused them great discomfort. When Tsingtao fell on the 7th November it brought the unique distinction of a battle honour held by no other British Regiment. The battalion came home to Devonport in January 1915, and in April of that year found themselves heading east towards Gallipoli.

The historical landing at Helles ranks high in the annals of the Regiment. On the 25th April the 2nd Battalion took part in an assault on open beaches, landing three companies in broad daylight in the face of a determined and well prepared enemy. It was on the Gallipoli Peninsula that Westlake particularly distinguished himself gaining the award of the D.C.M., M.I.D. and the French Medaille Militaire. After the evacuation of Gallipoli in January 1916 the battalion was moved to Egypt, where it remained for three months, before being moved to France, in which theatre it remained for the duration of the war.