Orders, Decorations and Medals Including five Special Collections

Three: Second Lieutenant C. J. S. Dalbiac, Northumberland Fusiliers, killed in action at Hooge in 1915

1914-15 Star (2. Lieut., North’d. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut.); together with memorial plaque (Charles James Shelley Dalbiac); two collar badges and one shoulder title, extremely fine (7) £300-350

Charles James Shelley Dalbiac was killed in action in France and Flanders on 16 June 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. His name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

The following is extracted from his obituary in the St George’s Gazette: ‘...Passing through Sandhurst, he was gazetted to the Regiment on 16 December 1914, and attached to the 3rd Special Reserve Battalion at East Boldon, with which he served till early last March, when he was sent out to join the 1st Battalion at Ypres.

Perhaps only those who were with him in the trenches during long nights of hard work fully appreciate the value of young Dalbiac on duty; but off duty, back in billets, all who came in contact with him will always hold him in affectionate and grateful remembrance, for in his company it was impossible to be dull or in the dumps. Physically and constitutionally he was far from strong, but his spirit was unequalled, he bore the hardships of campaigning without complaint, and performed his duties till the day he met his death at the head of the leading platoon and grenadiers of his company in the assault on the enemy’s trenches north of Hooge.

In speaking of him to the writer a young soldier of his company, wounded on the same day, paid a simple but eloquent tribute to his memory “Mr Dalbiac was brave.” No officer of the 5th could desire more than these words, uttered spontaneously by one of his own men.’

Sold with a comprehensive file of copied research material , including numerous photographs.

See lot 1126 for fathers medals.