Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Military College Sandhurst Prize Medal, obverse: trophy of arms; reverse: Within an oak and laurel wreath, engraved, ‘23 March 1904, won by A. B. Haig’, 70mm., silver, good very fine £70-90

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Prize, Training Ship, Nursing & Other Medals from the James N. Spencer Collection.

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Arthur Brodie Haig was born on 31 January 1886, the youngest son of Henry Alexander Haig. Educated at Winchester College, he entered the Royal Military College at Sandhurst in 1903. A 2nd Lieutenant on the Unattached List in 1905, he was with the 24th Punjabis, Indian Army, in 1906. Attaining the rank of Captain in 1914, he served with distinction during the Great War, serving in Egypt and Mesopotamia. With the 24th Punjabis as part of the Kut Garrison he was captured and remained a prisoner for war until repatriated on 18 September 1918. For his wartime services he was awarded the Military Cross and Bar (London Gazette 10 June 1920) and twice mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 13 July 1916 & 19 October 1916). Promoted Major in 1920, he was appointed G.S.O.2 India, September 1919-September 1920 & April 1922-February 1923. In 1923 he received the brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel and served as an Instructor at the Staff College, Quetta, 1923-26. Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1930, command of the 4/14th Punjab Regiment (late 24th Punjabis) followed during 1930-32. He was D.D. of Staff Duties (G.S.O.1 India) during 1923-33 and commanded the Dehra Dun Infantry Brigade, 1933-35. D.A. and Q.M.G., Eastern Command, India , 1936-37; he was promoted to the rank of Major-General in 1936 and was awarded the C.B. in 1937. Haig served as Commandant of the Quetta Staff College, 1937-40. Attaining the rank of Lieutenant-General in 1940, he was Quartermaster General in India during 1940-41, Adjutant General, India in 1941 and General Officer Commanding Southern Command, India in 1941. He retired and was created a K.C.B. in 1942 and died in 1957.