Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain H. F. Lodge, Royal Field Artillery for conspicuous gallantry near Escourt on 11 May 1917

Military Cross, G.V.R. unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. F. Lodge) very fine (3) £600-£800

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In spite of being subjected to heavy hostile fire he succeeded in extinguishing a fire. His gallant act undoubtedly saved a gun and a large quantity of ammunition from destruction.’

Humphrey Francis Lodge was born on 9 February 1886 in Longport, Staffordshire. He was educated at Sedbergh School, Yorkshire before moving to India to work as a Merchant, laterly with Messrs. Killick, Nixon & Co. of Bombay. He attested for the Bombay Light Horse in July 1908. Appointed Squadron Sergeant Major 5 November 1915, he was recommended for a commission by his Commanding Officer on 21 December 1915 stating ‘Squadron Sergeant Major H. F. Lodge is one of the very best Non-Commissioned Officers who has ever served in the Corps.’

He attested for the Royal Field Artillery as a Gunner on 29 February 1916, whilst on leave with permission to join the Regular Army for the period of war, before being discharged to a commission on 6 July 1916. Serving on the Western Front, he received shrapnel wounds to his right buttock in July 1916. After recovery in the U.K. he rejoined 106 Battery in the Italian theatre, hence it would appear that his Military Cross could have possibly been awarded for the action in which he was wounded.

Returning to India at the end of hostilities, he was appointed a Major in V (Bombay) Brigade, Royal Artillery, on its reconstitution on 1 October 1920.

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