Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Lieutenant H. Godsal, Royal Field Artillery, who was Mentioned in Despatches following the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in 1915, and was wounded on the Western Front on 25 August 1918

1914 Star (2.Lieut: H. Godsal. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. H. Godsal.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £140-£180

Hugh Godsal was born in Otakeho, New Zealand, on 29 May 1893, and was educated at Oundle School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery (Special Reserve) on 7 March 1914, and served during the Great War with the 25th Battery, R.F.A. on the Western Front from 6 October 1914. He was Mentioned in Field Marshal Sir John French’s Despatch following the Second Battle of Ypres (London Gazette 22 June 1915), most likely for his services during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and was promoted Lieutenant on 12 January 1916. Transferring to the 78th Division on 1 December 1917, he was wounded in action on 25 August 1918, suffering a gunshot wound to his left side, and was admitted to No. 2 Stationary Hospital, before being repatriated to England. Following three years trying to convince the Medical authorities that he was permanently disabled due to effects of his wound, and the general debilities brought about by active service, he was finally passed unfit for further service on 17 June 1921, and transferred to the retired list (on retired pay) on 24 August 1921. He died on 11 May 1936, aged 42, his premature death no doubt hastened by the effects of War.

Sold with copied research including a group photographic image featuring the recipient.