Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Edward VII Northern Nigeria D.S.O. group of three awarded to Captain W. H. Browne, Royal Fusiliers

Distinguished Service Order, E.VII.R., silver-gilt and enamels, small pin-hole drilled in the arm at 3 o’clock, evidently to facilitate mounting; East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1900 (Capt., Rl. Fus.) small pin-holes at 3 and 6 o’clock; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, N. Nigeria 1903 (Capt., Rl. Fus.) some chips to centres of the first, otherwise generally good very fine (3) £3000-4000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed by The Late John Cooper.

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See Colour Plate II

D.S.O. London Gazette 24 January 1905: ‘Walter Hamilton Browne, Capt., 6th Battn. The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regt.) (3rd Class Resident, Northern Nigeria). In recognition of services in the Sokoto-Burmi operations, Northern Nigeria 1903.’

Walter Hamilton Browne was born on 25 January 1875, son of Walter J. Browne, Indian Telegraphs. He joined the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers in 1895 and became Lieutenant, 6th Royal Fusiliers, in July 1899. He served with the West African Frontier Force, and in 1900 took part in the Munshi Expedition, Northern Nigeria (Medal with Clasp). He was promoted to Captain on 19 October 1900, and served in the Burmi-Sokoto operations in 1903, in Northern Nigeria, and was severely wounded. He was mentioned in despatches London Gazette 24 January 1905, received a Medal with Clasp, and was awarded the D.S.O. He retired from the Army with the rank of Captain; became Major, Special Reserve, 20 August 1907, and subsequently retired from the Reserve. Major Browne was transferred to the Provincial Administration, Northern Nigeria, in 1904, and promoted 2nd Class Resident in 1909.