Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Victoria Cross, contemporary wearing copy (Captain Honble A. G. A. Hore Ruthven, 3rd Bn. Highland Light Infantry) (22nd Septr. 1898) very fine £600-800

With a note stating, ‘This actual medal worn throughout his 50 year military/diplomatic career. Presented to his Secretary on retirement.’

Brigadier-General Alexander Gore Arkwright Hore-Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie, V.C., G.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O. & Bar, P.C. (6 July 1872-2 May 1955).

His Victoria Cross was won on 22 September 1898 during the action at Gedaref, in the Sudan. Captain Hore-Ruthven saw an Egyptian officer lying wounded within 50 yards of the advancing Dervishes who were firing and charging. He picked up the wounded officer and carried him towards the 16th Egyptian Battalion. He had to drop his burden several times in order to fire upon the Dervishes and check their advance, but this action undoubtedly saved the officer’s life’ (ref. The Register of the Victoria Cross).

Hore-Ruthven distinguished military service continued during the Great War, serving in France and Gallipoli, where he was severely wounded, was five times mentioned in despatches, was awarded the D.S.O. in 1916 and Bar in 1919, awarded the C.M.G. in 1918 and C.B. in 1919, and ended the war as a Brigadier-General. Appointed Governor, firstly of South Australia (1928-34) and then of New South Wales (1934-36). Appointed Governor-General of Australia in 1936, he was awarded the K.C.M.G. in 1928 and G.C.M.G. in 1935 and created Baron Gowrie in 1934. He served as Australia’s longest serving Governor-General until 1944. For his outstanding service he was created Earl of Gowrie in 1944. Some time before his death in 1955, his copy Victoria Cross, worn throughout his military and diplomatic career, was presented to his Secretary.

With copied research.