Australian Military Cross winner's 1897 Pattern Infantry off...

Hammer

£190

Australian Military Cross winner's 1897 Pattern Infantry officer's sword by Robert Mole & Sons, Birmingham, back of blade numbered M5856 and with WD arrow, ricasso marked with large D with WD arrow inside, blade 40% ornately etched including KGV cypher and arms, good very fine, some of the leather at the top of the scabbard is missing. Also with recipient's pair of spurs and a Malacca cane.
The sword is attributed to Captain Richard William Dewson 3rd Div Train, Australian A.S.C. who was killed in action on 27th May 1918 and is buried in Longueau British Cemetery. There is a paper label attached to scabbard "Sword belonged to Dad's grandfather's brother, Captain Richard William Dewson in the Australian Army. Emigrated to Australia. Spurs in the safe."
His MC was announced in the London Gazette dated 25th August 1917 "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in personally taking a convoy of ammunition to its destination under exceptionally difficult and trying circumstances. In spite of intense gas shelling and having to deal with an almost impassable river, trenches, wire and other obstacles, he brought his convoy through with the greatest skill and initiative, setting a splendid example to his men."
With 7 copied pages of his Australian service record, LG and CWGC, his papers also state he was issued a D.C.M. during South African Campaigns, he enlisted in the Australian Army 9/6/14 stating former service in Royal Warwickshire Regt, wounded Gallipoli Sep 1915, returned to Australia, commissioned 22/2/16, promoted Capt 1/5/16, wounded in action 30/6/17. BUYER MUST COLLECT. (See Lot 35 for his brother's DCM group) (B)