Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Messines 1918’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant H. F. Quee, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, for gallantry in single-handedly capturing an enemy machine gun

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8556 Sjt. H. F. Quee. R. Ir. Rif.) naming officially re-impressed; 1914 Star, with clasp (8556 L. Cpl. H. F. Quee. R. Ir: Rif.); British War and Victory Medals (8556 A.W.O. Cl. 2. H. F. Quee. R. Ir. Rif.) mounted as worn, nearly very fine (4) £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January 1919:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and leadership during operations in the Messines sector on the 6th September, 1918. He was Acting Company Serjeant-Major in command of company Headquarters during the advance. While advancing he noticed an enemy machine gun. He at once rushed forward, killed one of the team, and the rest surrendered. This act of gallantry undoubtedly saved many casualties and inspired the men around him to continue the advance without a check.’

Hugh Francis Quee served in France and Flanders from 21 September 1914, with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, part of the 36th Ulster Division. His Medal Index Card shows his address as Bedford Court, Detroit, Michegan, U.S.A., notes the issue of a duplicate D.C.M. on payment, and an enquiry concerning ‘Discharge & Character Certificate, also medals’, this dated 5/3/25.

Sold with copied Medal Index Card and Battalion War Diary entry for September 1918.