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Auction: 14002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 2

A Rare 'Somaliland 1920' M.C. Pair to Lieutenant G. Godfrey, King's African Rifles
a) Military Cross, G.V.R.
b) Africa General Service 1902-56, G.V.R., one clasp, Somaliland 1920, M.I.D. Oak Leaf (Lieut. G. Godfrey. 6-K.A. RIF.), edge bruise to last, generally very fine or better, mounted for wear (2)

M.C. London Gazette 29.11.1920 T./Lt. George Godfrey, 6th Bn., King's African Rifles, 'In recognition of distinguished services rendered in connection with military operations in Somaliland.'

The above award was given for the attack on Baran Fort, between 22-23rd January 1920. The 'Fort was a square building with corner towers of 40 feet high. It was very solidly constructed and was defended by about 100 men. The fort was mortared but it was decided that it was insufficently damaged to be attacked... The attack was resumed on the 23rd at a shorter range.' (African General Service Medals, R.B. Magor, refers)

The commanding officer, Colonel Wilkinson, agreed to let Lieutenant Godfrey form a demolition party. The latter comprised of Godfrey, C.Q.M.S. H. Wood (awarded the D.C.M. for this action) and four native troops. Godfrey led his party over fire-swept ground and detonated the 100lb charge of gun cotton under the eastern tower.

There was a terrific explosion but the results of his endeavours were not known until the following day when another patrol entered the near-deserted fort. Its condition was filthy, littered with dead bodies and animals, but quite how many of the former Godfrey accounted for will never be known, it being ascertained from a prisoner that smallpox had broken out among the Dervishes a few days earlier.

1 of 4 M.C.s awarded for the Somaliland 1920 campaign.

Lieutenant Godfrey was entitled to a Great War pair, however, according to his MIC and the KAR medal roll they were never claimed or issued to him.

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Estimate
£5,000 to £6,000