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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 197

Three: Major D. O. Springfield, Royal Engineers, late Royal Navy

1914 Star (Major D. O. Springfield. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Major D. O. Springfield.), nearly extremely fine (3)

Donald Osborn Springfield was born at Catton, Norfolk, on 18 May 1871. He spent his childhood at Penge, Lewisham, before joining the Royal Navy as Acting Sub-Lieutenant on 15 July 1884. Having failed to pass College at the training ship H.M.S. Britannia, Springfield was shortly thereafter discharged, whence he enlisted in the Royal Engineers. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Haven Division Submarine Miners on 7 April 1891 and promoted Lieutenant in the 35th Submarine Miners Company on 15 May 1896, he was further promoted Captain with the Royal Anglesey Militia on 27 May 1903 and Temporary Major with the Royal Anglesey Engineers on 1 September 1914.

Springfield served in France from 10 November 1914 and commanded the 3rd Railway Company, Royal Anglesey S.R.R.E. until 26 April 1915. He served as Field Engineer 1st Corps from 27 April 1915-7 October 1915 and Commanding Officer of No. 1 Siege Company, Royal Anglesey S.R.R.E., until 23 December 1916, being twice mentioned in despatches (London Gazettes 1 January 1916 & 15 June 1916, refer). Returning to Beaumaris on 1 January 1917, he was later tried and convicted by a General Court Martial on 21 May 1917 on three charges of prejudice of good conduct and military discipline. Springfield was subsequently adversely reported upon by the Commanding Officer of the Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers, Colonel C. Matthews-Donaldson:

'This officer judging by what he does, from his length of service seems irresponsible for his actions. He has no respect for anyone senior to him, and his behaviour and language are not such as to be expected from an officer and a gentleman. He prefers to consort with his juniors and talks in a most reprehensible manner and has no consideration for his own dignity.'

Sentenced to a reprimand and overlooked when it became necessary to appoint a successor to the C.O., his superiors noting upon confidential records, 'temporarily unsuitable for the command and he has no reasonable grounds for complaint'. A request for promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel was also turned down.

Proceeding to Malta on 23 September 1917, Springfield was initiated on 3 June 1918 into the Masonic Lodge of St. John & St. Paul whilst living in the fortified town of Floriana in the south-eastern region of the Island. He returned home to Wiltshire a few months later following the death of his mother in law and the declining health of his wife and was demobilised on 14 October 1918. He died on 29 December 1940 whilst living at 81 Victoria Road, London W.8. leaving effects of £408 15s. 5d. to his widow Lilian; sold with copied service record and MIC.


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Sold for
£210

Starting price
£100