Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Great War ‘Gallipoli’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Company Sergeant Major F. Sawle, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5778 Sjt., 1/Essex Regt.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5778 Pte., Essex Regt.); 1914-15 Star (5778 Sjt., Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (5778 W.O. Cl. II, Essex R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (5778 C.S. Mjr., D.C.M., Essex R.) Q.S.A. with edge bruising and polished therefore fine, otherwise generally nearly very fine or better (6) £1200-1500

D.C.M. London Gazette 6 September 1915 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and ability during the operations on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Sergeant Sawle performed consistent good work, and showed the greatest coolness and bravery under hazardous conditions and at critical times. He led his platoon with great ability and judgment on several occasions, and under very heavy fire, and has throughout displayed fine powers of leadership and set an excellent example and gives great encouragment to all with him.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 5 August 1915 (General Ian Hamilton’s 1st Despatch, dated 20 May 1915, for the period up to 5 May 1915).

Medal index card confirms service at Gallipoli from the initial landings on 25 April 1915.