1944 Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Commander's ...

Estimate

£2,000 - £2,000

1944 Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Commander's neck badge (CBE) (Civil), WW1 Military Cross, 1945 The Order of St John Serving Brother's breast badge, 1914 Star trio with date bar and MID oakleaf, 1935 Silver Jubilee Medal, 1937 Coronation Medal and Romanian Order of the Star 5th Class to Major G. Nicholson Hamps R. (2 Lieut on Star, Capt on War & Victory, Jubilee & Coronation privately engraved to Major G. Nicholson C.C. of Surrey, CBE, MC, St John and Romania un-named as issued), some enamel loss to centre of Romanian Order, otherwise very fine to extremely fine, CBE in Garrard box of issue, rest modern swing mounted.
With part matching good quality miniature group of 6 with MC, 1914 Star trio with date bar and MID oakleaf, 1935 Silver Jubilee Medal and Romanian Order of the Star 5th Class, swing mounted as worn, Romanian detached. With 1914 trio ribbon bar, WW1 metal ID disc to Lieut G. Nicholson Hts R.
Geoffrey Nicholson's MC was announced in the London Gazette dated 4th June 1917. He was 3 times mentioned in dispatches with 3 original MID certificates for 20th March 1917, 1st November 1918 and 9th March 1919 (these have been framed at one time and mounted on card). With original framed certificate for the award of Romanian Order of the Star 5th Class dated 10th Martie 1919 and original framed certificate for the award of St John Serving Brother dated 24th May 1945. His CBE was announced in the London Gazette dated 1st January 1944 as Chief Constable of Surrey, with original CBE bestowal document.
He was also awarded a Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal when "On the 17th August 1912, a small boat was capsized in deep water 100 yards from shore at Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Nicholson, who was in the boat, rescued a lady who was in danger of being drowned." This was loaned with his other medals to the Regimental Museum but appears to have not been returned.
There is a superb array of supporting documents and photos from the family which includes Hampshire Regiment officer's helmet plate (KC), commissioning warrant appointing him 2nd Lieut 16/9/13, photos of D Company Royal Military College May 1913, RMC foils and sabre team , RMC Colour Party June 1913 on which he appears on all 3, scrapbook full of paper cuttings, 1915 summons for speeding, menus, invitations etc, framed sketch of Training Ship HMS Conway in which he served before RMC, 1913 programme for Presentation of Colours by KGV to RMC Cadet Battalion, framed photo in uniform of Chief Constable, first edition book (1930) The 10th and 12th Battalions The Hampshire Regiment 1914-1918, superb range of letters, appointments, training reports etc. With 4 personal diaries for 1916-19 full of interesting details, mainly of his time with 10th Bn in Salonika. Also with service details, attended school at HMS Conway 1907-09, Imperial Service College 1909-12, RMC Sandhurst 1912-13, posted to 1st Bn Hampshire Regt Oct 1913 who he served with in France 1914 and was present at Le Cateau, Marne and Ypres, joined 10th Bn in 1915 with whom he served with in Gallipoli, Salonika and the Army of the Black Sea (also Bde Maj & Staff Capt in this period) where he notes he was present at Suvla, Doiran, Vandar, Struma Valley and occupation of Dobradja. Appointed Asst Chief Constable of Hampshire 27/10/22 which appointment he held for 7 years and 8 months. He was appointed Chief Constable of Surrey in 1930 and served in this capacity for 16 years until he retired due to ill health Nov 1946. His father was Brig General G.H. Nicholson CB, CMG, also of the Hampshire Regt. The collection includes a framed sketch of his father in uniform. The collection is being offered on behalf of the family and never before on the market. Due to range of glass frames, the buyer must collect. (See photos) (B)