Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An impressive Second World War O.B.E., Great War M.C. group of eleven awarded to Brigadier A. H. Pollock, Indian Army, late the King’s Own - twice wounded in the Great War, he saw extensive action on the North West Frontier between the Wars and added the O.B.E. to his accolades for his services in Somaliland and North Africa in 1940-41

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Lt. A. H. Pollock, 8 King’s Own R.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. A. H. Pollock); India General Service 1908-35, 4 clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Waziristan 1921-24, Burma 1930-32, North West Frontier 1935 (Lieut. A. H. Pollock, M.C., 2/26 Punjabis); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, N.W. Persia (Capt. A. H. Pollock); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf, very fine and better (11) £1400-1800

O.B.E. London Gazette 30 December 1941:

‘For distinguished services in the Middle East in the period February to July 1941.’

M.C. London Gazette 30 March 1916:

‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations leading his company after three senior officers had been wounded. His cool cheerfulness did much to encourage his men.’

Allan Heriot Pollock was born in July 1891, the son of Major J. H. Pollock of Coulsdon, Surrey, and was educated at Dover College.

Commissioned in the 8th Battalion, King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), in December 1914, he served out in France from September 1915 until October 1918, was twice wounded, awarded the M.C. and mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 18 December 1917 refers).

Transferring to the Indian Army with an appointment as a Lieutenant in the 2/26th Punjabis in November 1918, he was advanced to Captain in August of the following year and quickly witnessed active service in the Third Afghan War (Medal & clasp); so, too, in the North-West Persia operations of August-December 1920 (Medal & clasp).

In January 1922, his regiment was re-titled the 15th Punjabis, and he was present in the Waziristan operations (clasp), while in July 1932, following active service in the Burma operations (clasp), he was given the Brevet of Major. And he was subsequently present in operations on the North-West Frontier in 1935 (clasp).

Advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel in February 1940 - and to Acting Colonel before the year’s end - he is believed to have commanded the 3/15th Punjabis in Somaliland and North Africa 1940-41, gaining a mention in despatches (London Gazette 11 February 1941 refers), in addition to the O.B.E. - quite possibly for the famous action at Tug Argan.

Pollock was advanced to Temporary Brigadier in March 1942, which rank he was permitted to retain on being placed on the Retired List at the War’s end; sold with research.