Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War D.S.O., M.C. group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel A. E. Drysdale, Indian Army, later commanding 11th Sikhs

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., reverse cypher lacking, otherwise complete with top suspension; Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (Lt., 47/Sikhs); British War and Victory Medals (Cpat.); India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Mahsud 1919-20, Waziristan 1919-21 (Capt., 4-39 R.G.) good very fine (6) £1200-1500

D.S.O. London Gazette 22 December 1916: ‘For distinguished services in the field in Mesopotamia.’

M.C. London Gazette 3 July 1915: ‘In recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with the Expeditionary Force: Lieutenant, 47th Sikhs, Indian Army.’

‘Near Ypres, on 26th April, 1915, showed conspicuous gallantry in the attack. When all senior Officers became casualties he continued to lead the regiment to within seventy yards of the enemy’s trenches, and there held on. His conduct throughout the day and night was marked by great coolness and resource.’

Alexander Edward Drysdale was born on 7 May 1889, and appointed unattached 2nd Lieutenant, Indian Army, 8 September 1909. He served with the 47th Sikhs in France and Belgium, 27 November 1914 to 17 December 1915 (M.C.), and in Mesopotamia (Iraq), 8 January 1916 to 12 June 1917 (D.S.O.). He was mentioned in despatches London Gazette 3 July 1915, 1 January 1916, and 19 October 1916. He was again mentioned in despatches for services in Waziristan 1920 London Gazette 10 June 1921. Promoted to Major in September 1925, he was an Instructor at the Small Arms School, India, from February 1928 to February 1931. Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in April 1935, Drysdale was Commandant of the 4/11th Sikhs from November 1934 to July 1938, when he took over briefly as Commandant of the 5/11th Sikhs, before retiring in 1939.