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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 144

A most unusual C.M.G. pair awarded to Colonel B. R. Ward, Royal Engineers, who also received a 'mention' in 1917, having previously served as District Officer for the Harbour Defences of Halifax Nova Scotia

The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Companion's (C.M.G.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; British War Medal 1914-20, with M.I.D. oakleaves (Col. B. R. Ward.), nearly extremely fine (2)

C.M.G. London Gazette 24 January 1917.

Bernard Rowland Ward was born at Caer-Wynt, Winchester, Hampshire, on 16 January 1863, the son of Bernard and Gertrude Ward. He was a relative of the Viscount's of Bangor and was educated as Winchester College between 1876-1880 (Moberly's House).

Commissioned Lieutenant on 25 July 1882 with the Royal Engineers he was further advanced Captain on 15 January 1891. Posted as Instructor at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich in 1897 he was promoted Major while serving there on 15 December 1899.

Ward further specialised at Woolwich, becoming Professor of Fortification and Geometrical Drawing in 1900, a posted he held until 1903. He was to put this study to good use later in the decade when ordered to Canada as District Officer responsible for the Harbour Defences of Nova Scotia in 1908. Advanced Colonel in 1911 he was appointed Officer in Charge of Royal Engineer Records on 17 October 1912.

Ward was to hold this appointment for much of the Great War, receiving the C.M.G. and a 'mention' (London Gazette 25 January 1917, refers) for his work. Finally moving to a post as Chief Engineer at the War Office on 15 March 1917 he was to finish the war in that role.

Ward retired on 27 April 1919; sold together with copied census data, London Gazette extracts, medal rolls and army lists as well as an extract from The Wykehamist and a letter from the archivist at Winchester College along with a photograph.

For the medal and decoration awarded to his half brother see Lot 118.

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Sold for
£480

Starting price
£350