Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare and unusual M.S.M. group of four awarded to Interpreter G. A. Agallides, British Salonika Force

British War and Victory Medals (84 Intpr. G. A. Agallides) officially impressed as issued; Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (G. A. Agallides, Prestd by Lt. Colonel Villiers, PM. BSF 25.11.18) contemporary engraved naming; Greece, Medal of Military Merit, 4th Class, unnamed, good very fine and better (4) £350-400

The campaign and Meritorious service medals confirmed as entitled per the respective campaign medal roll (ref WO 329/2346) and the Medal Index Cards held at The National Archives. The recipient’s m.i.c. shows he made an unsuccessful claim for a 1914-15 Star.

Interpreter Agallides was first ‘Engaged’ on 1 December 1915, and ‘Discharged’ only 15 days later on 16 December 1915. He is then shown as having ‘Re-engaged’ on 30 August 1916 taking his final discharge on 1 July 1919; Greek Nationals recruited for service in Salonika were only eligible and awarded the British War and Victory campaign medals.

Reference: British Gallantry Awards, by Abbott & Tamplin, it is estimated that a total of 679 'Honorary' immediate awards of the Military Meritorious Service Medal were issued to allied troops - of which only six were awarded to personnel from Greece. With copied notes.