Miniature Medals

A good Great War D.S.O, M.C. and bar group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel C.E. Thompson, South Lancashire Regiment, late 28th London Regiment and Imperial Yeomanry


Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., in silver-gilt and enamels, some very minor chipping to green enamel wreaths; Military Cross, G.V.R., with second award bar; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, S.A. 1901, S.A. 1902 (24507 Serjt., 22nd Coy. Imp. Yeo.); 1914 Star, with clasp (1038 C. Sjt., 1/28 Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oakleaf (Lt. Col.); Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, generally good very fine or better (8) £2000-2500

See Colour Plate I

D.S.O. London Gazette 1 January 1918.

M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1916.

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 26 September 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Having gone forward to clear up the situation, he found it was critical owing to the enemy envelopment of our left flank. He promptly organised a defensive flank, which held out long enough to save a large portion of the brigade from being cut off. It was due to his ability and promptness that a disaster was averted and his good staff work contributed largely to the success of the whole operation.’

Despatches four times London Gazette 1 January & 15 June 1916, 25 May & 11 December 1917.

Claude Ernest Thompson was born in Brentwood, Essex, on 8 December 1880 and, after being educated at Brentwood School, joined the City merchants of James Burness & Sons from which he eventually retired as Chairman in 1950. In 1899 he enlisted into the 20th Corps, Middlesex Rifle Volunteers (Artists), Rifle Brigade, but served in South Africa with the Imperial Yeomanry, first as a Trooper and then a Sergeant, receiving the Queen’s medal with 5 clasps. Rejoined the Colours in 1911, going into the 28th (County of London) Bn., London Regiment (Artists’ Rifles), in which he was serving as Colour-Sergeant on the outbreak of War in 1914. Appointed Temporary 2nd Lieutenant in January 1915 and posted into the South Lancashire Regiment, he remained with them until the end of hostilities. Advanced by successive promotions, he assumed command of the 1st/5th Battalion in June 1918, a position he retained until the end of the War. Four times mentioned in despatches and twice wounded (March and August 1915), he relinquished his commission on completion of his service and was granted the rank of Lieut. Col. in September 1921, thereafter serving for four years with the County of London T.A. from which he finally retired in February 1928. Sold with a contemporary obituary cutting, including a photograph.