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Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 387

A fascinating M.B.E. group of four to Lance-Corporal W. Wells, Kent Cyclist Battalion, who served during the Third Afghan War and took emotive photographs of the campaign

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.), Civil Division, Member's 2nd type breast Badge, silver; British War and Victory Medals (1932 Pte. W. C. Wells. Kent Cyc. Bn.); Defence Medal 1939-45, very fine, the second and third mounted as worn, with related miniature awards, very fine (8)

M.B.E. London Gazette 9 June 1938.

Walter Wells lived at 'Ashlea', Shoreham Road, Otford, Sevenoaks. The 1/1st Kent Cyclist Battalion's Nominal Roll confirms him as having been present during the Third Afghan War, when the Battalion secured the Khyber Pass and advanced on Kabul - Wells served as a Lance-Corporal during the campaign. He kept a remarkable photograph album recording the expedition, which includes scenes such as the Native Bazaar at Dalhousie and the Bangalore Fête. He went on to become Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable of the Dumbarton County Police, receiving an M.B.E. for his services. In retirement he lived at Rye Lane, Otford, Sevenoaks; sold with copied MIC, the recipient's bound photograph album, several loose photographs in an envelope and a CD containing digitised copies of 'Invicta', the Kent Cyclist Battalion's Magazine.


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Sold for
£260