Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 388

A fine Second War O.B.E. group of twelve awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel G. Q. Archard, Commandant of the Legion of Frontiersmen, Rhodesia - the final holder of that Office - and late Devonshire Regiment

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer's 2nd type Badge; 1914-15 Star (Capt. C. Q. Archard. Devon Reg.), unofficially impressed with initial 'C'; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. G. Q. Archard); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Waziristan 1919-21 (Capt. C. Q. Archard. Devon Reg.), unofficially impressed with initial 'C'; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Legion of Frontiersmen Meritorious Service Medal, silver, hallmarks for Birmingham 1957 (30336 Lt. Col. G. Q. Archard. OBE. Rhodesia.); Legion of Frontiersmen Long and Efficient Service Medal, gilt (30336 Commdt. G. Q. Archard.), mounted as worn, first with gilt worn, very fine (12)

O.B.E. London Gazette 4 June 1946 (Officer Commanding, No. 28, Indian Pioneer Corps Group, Gorakhpur, United Provinces).

George Quintin Archard was born in June 1892 at Lambeth, London and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Devonshire Regiment in November 1915, serving in France with the 9th Battalion from 13 July 1916 (no entitlement to 1914-15 Star). He appears to have been wounded and returned home, before transferring to the 3rd Battalion. Serving in India, he was attached to the Supply & Transport Corps at Ambala and Dalhousie (no entitlement to IGS - MIC refers). From October 1919, Archard was present in South Persia and he was released at the rank of Captain in April 1920, going to India to plant tea in Travancore.

Recalled for service during the Second World War, by this time aged 47, he served '...in Eritrea and the Western Desert campaigns and in 1942 was appointed Liason Officer to General "Specs" Wheeler, United States Army.' Awarded the O.B.E. and placed on the Retired List in June 1946, Archard emigrated to Rhodesia and became a prominent figure with the Legion of Frontiersmen. He is known to have argued for their use during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya and latterly having been denied the opportunity to parade during a Queen's Birthday Celebration, held a private celebration with full parade by the unit at his home (From Safari Suit to Camouflage refers). Archard was promoted Commandant of the Legion of Frontiersmen, Rhodesia, and was still active in 1967; sold with Legion of Frontiersmen cap Badge and a file of copied research.

An article on the recipient was published in Journal of the Zimbabwe Medal Society, No. 57, March 2007.

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

Sold for
£500