Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Arras 1917’ M.C. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant H. J. Lodge, Lincolnshire Regiment, late Armoured Car Section, Royal Naval Air Service, with whom he served in German South-West Africa in 1915

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed; 1914-15 Star (F.947, H. J. Lodge, A.M.1, R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. H. J. Lodge.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star, 1 clasp, Atlantic; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these last four all unnamed, mounted as worn, good very fine (8) £1,000-£1,400

M.C. London Gazette 18 July 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of the Company at a critical period, when the front line was obscure. He completed the capture and consolidation of the position, and showed great courage and ability throughout.’

Harold John Lodge was born in Lincoln on 23 June 1890, and enlisted into the Royal Naval Air Service on 16 November 1914, and, being a mechanic by trade, was immediately rated Petty Officer Mechnic. He was drafted into the R.N. Armoured Car Division with whom he served in German South-West Africa, 28 March to 9 July, 1915 (ADM 188/561 refers). Commissioned into the Lincolnshire Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant in April 1916, he went on to win the M.C. for services on the Western Front, where he served until 28 April 1917. Lodge was recalled from the Regular Army Reserve of Officers on the renewal of hostilities in 1939, once more as a Lieutenant in the Lincolnshire Regiment, although he appears to have been placed on the Unattached List in 1941, following a stint of service on Air Defence Duties. It seems improbable, therefore, that he would be entitled to the France and Germany Star with Atlantic clasp.