Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War D.S.O. group of five awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel O. C. du Port, Royal Field Artillery
Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, complete with top bar; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Cape Colony, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (Lieut., “A” Bty. R.H.A.); 1914-15 Star (Major, R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf (Lt. Col.) mounted court style for wear, cleaned, nearly extremely fine (5) £1500-1800

D.S.O. London Gazette 4 June 1917.
M.I.D. London Gazette 10 September 1901; 1 January 1916; 4 January 1917; 18 May 1917; 20 December 1918; 5 July 1919.

Osmond Charteris du Port was born on 9 July 1875 and was educated at Harrow School and the Royal Military Academy. He received his first commission on 2 November 1895. Serving in the Boer War, he served in operations in Natal during 1899, including the actions at Talana and Lombard’s Kop. At the defence of Ladysmith he was slightly wounded. Then in operations in Natal, March-June 1900, including the action at Laing’s Nek; operations in Transvaal, east of Pretoria, June-November 1900, including the action at Lydenberg. For his services he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Queen’s medal with 6 clasps. During the Great War he served in France and Flanders, 31 May 1915-11 November 1918 and was in command of 35 Brigade R.F.A., 11 March 1916-4 February 1917. For his many services he was five times mentioned in despatches, awarded the D.S.O. and received the brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel on 3 June 1919. Appointed Lieutenant-Colonel in the Reserve of Officers on 2 May 1919. In civil life du Port farmed in Southern Rhodesia, was a member of the legislative Assembly of Southern Rhodesia, 1924-28 and a Minister of Agriculture and Lands 1927-28. He died on 21 June 1929.