Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Great War Cavalry D.S.O. and Bar group of six awarded to Colonel H. A. Tomkinson, 1st Royal Dragoons

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1900, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Lieut., 1/Rl. Drgns.); 1914 Star (Capt., 1/Dns.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Lt. Col.); Jubilee 1935, mounted as worn, enamel a little chipped in the obverse of the first, otherwise good very fine (6) £1800-2200

D.S.O. London Gazette 4 June 1917.

Bar to D.S.O. London Gazette 26 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. When the enemy had penetrated a line, and the infantry were retiring in some disorder, by his quick decision and selection of fire positions he succeeded in holding up the attack in spite of the heavy machine gun fire. Finally, when the line was re-established, he walked up and down in the open, fully exposed to heavy fire, encouraging the men, until he was badly wounded. His splendid example and leadership saved a most critical situation.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 June 1915, 15 May 1917 and 20 December 1918.

Henry Archdale Tomkinson was born on 19 June 1881, and joined the Army in January 1901. He was appointed 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Royal Dragoons, on 9 March 1901, becoming Lieutenant in June 1901, and served with the regiment in South Africa (Queen’s Medal with 5 clasps). He became Captain in December 1908, and served as Adjutant from December 1908 to September 1911. From October 1911 to August 1913, he was Adjutant to the Territorial Force, and until August 1914 he was Adjutant and Quartermaster to the Cavalry School. On 5 August 1914, he was appointed Assistant Provost Marshal, H.Q., 1st Cavalry Division, and proceeded to France. He served in France and Belgium 16 August 1914 to 14 July 1915, 17 August 1915 to 19 April 1917, and 20 June 1917 to 5 April 1918. He was twice wounded, awarded the D.S.O. and Bar, and mentioned on three occasions (1914 Star & Clasp, B.W.M. and V.M.). He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1919, Colonel in December 1923, and Brigade Commander in India (temporary Colonel Commandant) in March 1924.