Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Surgeon Probationer Herbert William Archer-Hall, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, later an Ophthalmic Surgeon

1914-15 Star (Surg. Prob. H. W. Hall, R.N.V.R.); Defence Medal, unnamed; Serbia, Red Cross Decoration, silver and enamel; Cross of Mercy 1912, gilt and enamel, nearly extremely fine (4) £160-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Awards to the Medical Services from the Collection of the late Tony Sabell.

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Herbert William Hall was born in Birmingham on 24 September 1893 and received his medical training at the University of Birmingham, gaining the M.R.C.S. Eng, L.R.C.P. Lond. in 1918. and a Diploma in Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford in 1919. During the Great War he served as a Dresser to the 1st Serbian Relief Fund Unit under Lady Leila Paget which arrived in Serbia in November 1914. Later he served as a Surgeon Probationer in the R.N.V.R., appointed to H.M.S. Melampus in June 1915.

After the war he began an almost 40 year connection with the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital, becoming a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon. In addition he was Ophthalmologist to the school medical service. An enthusiastic Freemason, he was a founder of the University of Birmingham Lodge. Archer-Hall died on 27 June 1970.

With an original ‘Mr H. W. Archer Hall, Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital’ appointment card; birth and death certificates and a quantity of copied research including recipient’s will. Serbian awards not confirmed.

See lot 1579 for the recipient’s miniature dress medals.