Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.S.O., O.B.E. group of six awarded to Colonel E. L. Hughes, Northamptonshire Regiment, who was wounded and was four times Mentioned in Despatches Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with later slide integral top riband bar, reverse cypher re-affixed; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; 1914 Star, with copy clasp (Capt: E. L. Hughes. North’n. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Col. E. L. Hughes); Italy, Kingdom, Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus, Officer’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, minor enamel damage to wreaths on first, generally very fine or better (6) £2,000-£2,400 --- D.S.O. London Gazette 3 June 1916. O.B.E. (Civil) London Gazette 18 November 1918; changed to a ‘Military’ award, London Gazette 15 April 1919 - recommended by the Secretary of State for War for services during the war. Italian Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus London Gazette 21 August 1919. Edmund Locock Hughes was born in Plymouth on 21 February 1880, the son of Robert Harry Hughes, M.B., of Down House, Whitchurch, Tavistock, and was educated at Kelly College, Tavistock; Marlborough College; and Clare College, Cambridge. He entered the 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment in India as a ‘Varsity Candidate’ on 17 February 1900 and was promoted to Lieutenant on 23 January 1901 and Captain on 1 October 1908. He served as Adjutant of the 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry from 1910-13 and qualified for the Staff College in 1913. On the Staff he attained the rank of Colonel and served during the Great War on the Western Front form 14 August to 10 September 1914 and 18 May 1915 to 10 May 1917, and then in Italy from 2 November 1917 to 2 July 1918. Wounded in action, he was four times Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 15 June 1916; 4 January 1917; 15 May 1918; and 30 May 1918), and was awarded the D.S.O., O.B.E. (military), and the Italian Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus. Sold together with two original photographs of the recipient in uniform; and copied research.