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Auction: 22002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 196

(x) A 1938 C.B., Great War C.M.G. group of eight awarded to Major-General G. A. D. Harvey, Royal Army Medical Corps, who earned 5 caps as a Rugby international for Ireland, who had the misfortune to be taken Prisoner of War with the British Expeditionary Force in 1940; he was repatriated in 1943, by that time aged 61

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's C.B. neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, Companion's C.M.G neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. G. A. D. Harvey.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, good very fine (8)

C.B. London Gazette 9 June 1938.

C.M.G. London Gazette 4 June 1917.

George Alfred Duncan Harvey was born at Kentstown, County Meath, Ireland on 27 October 1882. Having qualified, he played rugby for Ireland five times as a centre between 1903-05, playing twice against England and Scotland and once against Wales. Harvey made his debut against England at Lansdowne Road on Valentine's Day 1903, when Ireland ran out 6-0 winners. His two brothers also earned Caps for the Ireland XV - one played in his debut - whilst his younger brother Frederick won the Victoria Cross.

George was commissioned Lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps on 30 July 1904 and was posted to the Straits Settlements for two years from 1905, being invalided. He was made Captain on 30 January 1908 and thence went out to Egypt, being seconded to the Egyptian Army from June-November 1914.

During the Great War he served as a Lieutenant-Colonel from 11 July-8 December whilst CO of a Field Ambulance Unit, having served in France from 20 March 1918. Further appointments followed after the War, being made Major-General by October 1935. Retired on 28 March 1939, he was recalled for service and was re-employed as a Colonel from 20 February 1940. Harvey proceeded to France and was taken a Prisoner of War. He was fortunate to be repatriated during Wartime and landed home in October 1943, seeing further service, at home, with the HQ Supreme Allied Command in the Civil Affairs Division. The General reverted to Retired pay on 12 May 1944 and died on 22 September 1957; sold together with a quantity of copied research.

His inter-war service saw him rise through the upper echelons of the military medical service until his retirement in 1939 with the rank of Major General. He was appointed Honorary Physician to the King on March 1937. He relinquished his rank in April when he re-joined with the rank of Colonel with effect from 20th February 1940.

He went to France with the B.E.F. and was taken prisoner when France fell, he remained a prisoner of war until 1943 when he read repatriated, by which time he was age 61.

He was invested as C.B. on 9th June 1938.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,800

Starting price
£1100