Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 254

A Great War O.B.E. group of three awarded to Major J. A. Kellett, Royal Engineers, late Engineer-Clerk Quartermaster-Sergeant, who earned a 'mention' and served attached to the Field Intelligence Department during the Boer War

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, hallmarks for London 1919; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg (23703 Q.M. Sjt: J. A. Kellett R.E.); France, Fourth Republic, Legion of Honour, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, this last with some enamel damage to reverse centre; others good very fine (3)

O.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919.

French Legion of Honour London Gazette 10 October 1918 (War Office).

James Albert Kellett entered the Royal Engineers in 1891. He served in the Orange Free State, February-May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg, and actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Vet River and Zand River. Also operations in Transvaal, May-June 1900, including the actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria; and operations east of Pretoria, July-October 1900. For his services he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 10 September 1901, refers) and promoted to Warrant Officer.

Commissioned Lieutenant (Quartermaster) in April 1905 he was appointed Head Clerk in the Military Intelligence Department. Remaining in this field, he served the Great War '...running the Internal Economy of the Military Intelligence Department' and would surely have had a hand in all major intelligence operations during the War. Retired in the rank of Major (Quartermaster), he died in January 1940; sold together with copied research.

Note: the French award of a later period.

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

Sold for
£420

Starting price
£230