Orders, Decorations and Medals

Corporal A. G. Drake, V.C., Rifle Brigade / Captain H. Tryon, Rifle Brigade

Photograph, a silver framed photograph of Captain Tryon in uniform, 253 x 203mm., hallmarks for Birmingham 1914, and inscribed, ‘From H. Tryon in Grateful Memory of 23rd Nov. 1915’, very good condition £150-200

Corporal A. G. Drake, V.C. London Gazette 22 January 1916. ‘For most conspicuous bravery on the night of 23 Nov. 1915, near La Brique, France. He was one of a patrol of four which was reconnoitring towards the German lines. The patrol was discovered when close to the enemy, who opened fire with rifles and a machine-gun, wounding the officer and one man. The latter was carried back by the last remaining man. Cpl. Drake remained with his officer, and was last seen kneeling beside him and bandaging his wounds, regardless of the enemy’s fire. Later a rescue party, crawling near the German lines, found the officer and corporal - the former unconscious, but alive and bandaged; Corpl. Drake beside him dead and riddled with bullets. He had given his life and saved his officer’. See also lots 1163 and 1187.

The officer Drake saved was Lieutenant (later Captain) Henry Tryon, 8th Battalion Rifle Brigade. He was later killed in action in the Battle of the Somme on 16 September 1916. Sold with copied research including a copy of a letter sent by Tryon to Mrs Drake, giving the circumstances of her son’s death. It is quite likely that the framed photograph of Tryon was a gift to Mrs Drake.