British Campaign and Gallantry Medals

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Lieut. C. E. A. L. Rumbold, 2/Drgn. Gds.) minor edge bruise, nearly extremely fine £220-260

Charles E. A. L. Rumbold was born on 24 August 1872, the son of C. J. A. Rumbold, M.A., F.R.G.S. and great grandson of Sir Thomas Rumbold, Bart. He was educated at Harrow. During the Boer War he served as a Lieutenant in the 2nd Dragoon Guards. He was afterwards transferred to the Reserve of Officers. Mobilised for the Great War, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 4 November 1914 as a Captain in the 2nd Dragoon Guards. In March 1915 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers. In addition to the above medal, he was awarded the 1914 Star, British War and Victory Medals.

An author on the subjects of inland waterway yachting, marine motoring and hunting; Rumbold was made a Chevalier of the French Order of Maritime Merit. Latterly living at Mas des Pins, Avenue Hector-Otto, Monaco; he died on 9 April 1943.

With copied, m.i.c. and other research, including a copied letter to the War Office, dated 9 January 1940, in which he offered his services as having ‘greater knowledge of the inland waterways of Western Europe than any living soul’. At the time, Captain Rumbold was residing on the ‘Yacht Lily Maid IV, R.Y.S., chez The Military Attache, 3 Rue d’Aguesseau, Paris (VIII)’. With copied letter from the War Office, thanking him for his offer but regretting that there was no definite prospect of employment for him.