Orders, Decorations and Medals

School of Military Engineering Fowke’s Medal, obv. high relief uniformed bust of Francis Fowke left; rev. within a stylized wreath of laurel, ‘Memorial Medal established by the officers of Royal Engineers as an Architectural Prize in the Corps’ (E. H. Hemming, Lieut., R.E., 1882) 58mm., 7mm. thick, silver, in J. W. Benson, London case, ref. B.H.M. 2940, Eimer 1581, edge bruise, nearly extremely fine £80-100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Training Ship and Prize Medals.

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The Fowke’s Medal was established by the officers of the School of Military Engineering, Chatham and awarded in memory of Francis Fowke, as an annual architectural prize, ‘to the officer who specially distinguished himself in the construction course, and also, in bronze, to the non-commissioned officer or sapper who acquired distinction in the Department of Estimating and Construction’. The medal was first awarded in 1872.

Captain Francis Fowke, Royal Engineers and architect (1823-65) was designer of the Museum of Science and Art in Edinburgh; planner of the buildings in the International Exhibition of 1862 and was largely responsible for the design of the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Edward Hughes Hemming was born on 13 May 1860 , the eldest surviving son of G. W. Hemming, K.C. He was educated at Clifton College and the Royal Military Academy Woolwich. At Woolwich he was the winner of the Pollock Gold Medal for 1880. Commissioned a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers in February 1880, he attended the School of Military Engineering and was the recipient of the 1882 Fowke Medal. With the R.E. Hemmings served in the Zhob Valley Expedition of 1884. With the rank of Colonel he was appointed Assistant Director of Fortifications and Works in 1912. During the Great War he was on the Staff as Deputy Director of Works, France/Flanders, 10 August 1914-31 July 1916. For his services he was awarded the C.M.G. in 1915, twice mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 17 February 1915 and 4 January 1917) and was promoted to Major-General. Retiring in 1919, he was deputy Commissioner for Housing, Lancashire and Cheshire at the Ministry of Health, 1919-21. later living at castle House, Newbury, he died on 20 April 1943. Sold with some copied research.