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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 158

(x) A 'Post-war' O.B.E, 'Great War' M.C. group of 6 awarded to Lieutenant H. A. Clidero, 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment for leading a platoon through a heavy barrage and into rifle fire to reinforce a Company whose officers had all fallen during which he was wounded

Qualifying as a solicitor in November 1933 he was the Town Clerk and Clerk of the Peace for Bridgewater, Somerset from 1936 to 1961 and awarded the O.B.E. for services to the County

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, Civil Division, silver-gilt, in its Royal Mint case of issue; Military Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. H.A.Clidero); Defence Medal 1939-45; Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953, mounted as worn, overall very fine (6)

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1959.

M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918, the official citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer led his platoon through a heavy barrage and into rifle fire to reinforce his company, whose officers had all fallen. He reorganised the line, and by his courage and determination helped the company to hold on for many hours, covering the retirement of the battalion. He then fought a rearguard action and rejoined the battalion. His conduct throughout was most praiseworthy. He was wounded during the fighting'

Henry Angus Clidero was born 27 April 1898 at Northallerton, Yorkshire. Educated at the Northallerton grammar school he was a prewar Territorial in the 1/4th Yorkshire Regiment with the rank of Lance Corporal at the beginning of the war. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 1 March 1917, he was elevated to Lieutenant on 1 September 1918 and awarded the MC for the Battle of Estaires on 12 April 1918.

The action was reported in the Battalion's diary: 12 April. Official despatches reported that at about 8 a.m. the enemy attacked in great strength on a Front extending from South of the Estaires - Vieux Berquin neighbourhood. After very heavy fighting...he succeeded in the afternoon in overcoming the resistance of our troops about Doulieu and La Becque, forcing them back in a North Westerly direction.

Diary - 'At 5.0 a.m. the party which was reinforced by another party of stragglers took up a line East of Pt Tournant. The 3rd Btn Coldstream Guards were on our left and a party of stragglers from 151st Brigade on the right. This line was held until about 4.0 p.m. when it was forced back in considerable disorder. Stragglers were Collected and a very thin line was formed. No attack was made on this line. About 3.0 p.m. the party was relieved by a batch of another Division and marched to La Motte Au Bois where the night was spent in huts. Casualties 2 Lt Clidero H A Wounded.'

Clidero was later captured by the Germans and made a prisoner of war on 27 May 1918 being repatriated on 13 December 1918.

Returning to 'civvy' street Clidero became the confidential clerk to the clerk of the peace and of the County Council at North Riding. He later joined the staff of Somerset County Council and in 1934 was appointed assistant solicitor to the County Council a position he held until he became Town Clerk of Bridgewater Borough Council. He held this position until 1961 when he retired and for his services to Somerset was richly rewarded with the O.B.E. in 1959.

The Somerset County Herald & Taunton Courier of 3 January 1959 features a photograph of Clidero and a detailed background to his post war career. He died at Bournemouth on 22 May 1985.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£950

Starting price
£700