Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

United States of America, Military Order of the Dragon (Capt. Robert S. Paul. 126th Baluchistan Infantry. No. ..3) bronze with gilded dragon, lacking integral top Pagoda suspension bar and original embroidered silk riband, the blackened finish completely worn off, heavy contact marks and corrosion to edge and reverse, therefore fair, the obverse better £700-£900

Robert Sears Paul was born in September 1868 and was originally commissioned in the Border Regiment in January 1889, before transferring to the Indian Army with an appointment in the 126th Baluchistan Infantry in July 1891. He was present with his regiment as a Captain in the Relief of Pekin operations in the Boxer Rebellion; was advanced to Major in January 1907; and was serving as Second in Command of the Zhob Militia on the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914. His subsequent wartime career included operations in Egypt, November 1914 to March 1915; service in the Aden Field Force in July 1915; in Persia and the Persian Gulf, August to October 1916; and in Mesopotamia, October 1916 to March 1917, where he was wounded. For his services during the Great War he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 4 July 1916), and was advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel in October 1918.

Note: Paul’s China Medal with Relief of Pekin clasp sold in these rooms in September 2010.