Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel H. J. Harvey, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, later Royal Tanks

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse inscribed (Capt., K.O. Sco. Bord.); 1914-15 Star (2.Lieut., K.O. Sco. Bord.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.) both additionally engraved ‘K.O. Sco. Bord.’; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (Major, M.C., R. Tank C.); Defence and War Medals, these both privately named, very fine (7) £600-700

M.C. London Gazette 5 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, during the enemy attack he collected about 100 men under a very heavy barrage and at once led them to the attack on the enemy’s flank, resulting in the enemy being driven back for 1200 yards and having many casualties inflicted upon them. At this point he established a defensive line thereby preventing the capture of the village. His gallantry and fine leadership were most conspicuous.’

Henry John Harvey was born on 26 may 1892, and joined the King’s Own Scottish Borderers as a Second Lieutenant in November 1911. He served in France and Flanders from 16 August 1914, until he was wounded on 17 October 1914, and from May to October 1915, and August to December 1917. He served in Russia as Staff Captain, Archangel, July to October 1919, and as Staff Captain, Black Sea, March to May 1920. He was mentioned in despatches for his services at Archangel (London Gazette 3 February 1920). Harvey joined the Tank Corps on 20 September 1920, becoming Major in June 1927 and Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel in 1945. Sold with a copy photograph of Harvey and other officers in India circa 1935, all identified.