Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 507

An interesting Great War and Second World War Group of Five to Captain H. St. J. B. Strang, Intelligence Corps, late Royal Highlanders and North Staffordshire Regiment

1914-15 Star (Lieut. H. St. J. B. Strang. R. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. St. J. B. Strang.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45 (Capt. H. St. J. B. Strang. Intelligence Corps.), mounted as worn, the last two privately impressed, good very fine (5)

Harry St. John Bland Strang was born on 19 January 1891 at Charlton, Kent, the eldest son of Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Bland Strange. He was educated at Cambridge University and qualified Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln's Inn.

Following the outbreak of the Great War, he applied for a temporary commission in the Black Watch on 15 August 1914, giving the K.O.S.B. as his second preference. His service record contains a slip noting, 'Lord Roberts is interested in this case'. Strang proceeded to France on 11 May 1915 with the 8th Battalion, and received a severe wound at Loos on 25 September 1915 when he was struck in the left-hand side of the chest by a piece of shrapnel. His medical records note a clean entrance wound the 'size of a shilling'; Strang embarked from Dieppe to Dover two days later for medical treatment, giving his address as 3 Chester Street, Grosvenor Place, London.

Having initially been granted 7 months leave to heal, this was extended a further 2 months on account of complications associated with the injury and events witnessed in France. He faced two operations, the first to remove the shrapnel, the second to remove a piece of khaki which had entered the wound and obstructed initial healing. At the same time, his notes record insomnia, depression and neurasthenia; he was posted to Fort George, Inverness, for light duties with the 1st Garrison Battalion.

However, it seems that Strang's health continued to trouble him, including knee cartilage problems and considerable issues involving his throat. In August 1916, his tonsils were removed, but the associated haemmorage was accompanied later by ulcers of the mouth and tongue and severe infection of the gums in October 1917.

Upon recovery, Strang returned to France and was seconded from the Staffordshire Regiment to the Intelligence Corps on 16 June 1917. He was appointed 4th Class Agent on 7 September, and applied for the position of 3rd Class Agent in January 1918.

On 22 December 1926, he married Muriel Ella Higgins, daughter of William Charles Higgins, Barrister-at-Law. The couple went on to have two sons and two daughters. More research required regarding his re-employment with the Intelligence Corps during the Second World War, which may be of an exotic nature; sold with copied MIC and Great War Officer service papers.


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£750