Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Mesopotamia’ D.S.O. group of three awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel C. de B. Gidley, Royal Artillery, who was three times Mentioned in Despatches

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar, in Garrard, London, case of issue; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. C. de B. Gidley.) good very fine (3) £800-£1,000

D.S.O. London Gazette 7 February 1918:
‘In connection with military operations in Mesopotamia’.

Courtenay de Blois Gidley was born on 16 September 1876 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 1st Devonshire Volunteer Artillery on 23 January 1895. He transferred to the regular Royal Artillery on 16 May 1900, and was promoted Lieutenant on 16 November 1901; Captain on 20 December 1910; and Major on 30 October 1914, serving as Adjutant from 3 April 1911. He served with the Royal Field Artillery during the Great War in Mesopotamia from 10 April 1916 to 31 October 1918, and was promoted Acting Lieutenant-Colonel on 19 July 1916. For his services during the Great War he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and was three times Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 15 August 1917; 12 March 1918; and 12 January 1920). He saw further service at home during the Second World War with Devon Army Cadet Force.