Auction Catalogue

2 July 2003

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Grand Connaught Rooms  61 - 65 Great Queen St  London  WC2B 5DA

Lot

№ 451

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2 July 2003

Hammer Price:
£720

An extremely rare German East Africa 1917 operations West African Frontier Force D.C.M. awarded to Acting Sergeant A. Kontagora, Nigeria Regiment Artillery, who was also mentioned in despatches in March 1918, shortly before his death at sea

West African Frontier Force Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (16 A. Sjt. Ali Kontagora, No. 1 By. Art. Nig. R.) nearly extremely fine £400-500

West African Frontier Force D.C.M. Nigeria Gazette 7 March 1918: ‘Whilst Section Commander in the actions at Behobeho, 1-3 January 1917, and at Kybambaw 5-17 January 1917, he set an example at all times by his coolness and courage. He had previously done good work.’

See John Arnold’s O.M.R.S. title
The African D.C.M. for several useful reference sources on Ali Kontagora. He was also mentioned in Major-General C. R. Hoskins’ despatch on 30 May 1917 and died at sea on 16 March 1918. He is commemorated on the Zaria Northern Nigeria Memorial.