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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 423

A presentation shield for swimming awarded to their sister, the Hon. Monica Grenfell, who served as a V.A.D and Red Cross nurse, and who was present at Julian’s death

Large bronze shield with central medallion depicting lady swimmers at the pool side, with surround inscription, ‘Ladies General Excellence Swimming - Challenge Shield’, and embossed plaque below, ‘Presented by the Members of the Bath Club, 1895’, and silver plaque at top, engraved ‘Won by Monica Grenfell, 1908-9-10’, and embossed laurel wreath decoration to sides, 22cm. by 17cm., affixed to a polished wooden shield, very fine

Monica Grenfell went out to France as a Red Cross nurse in December 1914 and much impressed her brother Julian when he visited her at work in Wimereux in April 1915 - ‘she was so good with the wounded Tommies who all seem to love her; she was just exactly “right there” with them’. Quickly making her way to Boulogne on learning that Julian had been seriously wounded, she was able to keep Lord and Lady Desborough informed of any progress - indeed it was her telegram that summoned them to reach his bedside before his death.

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Sold for
£260

Starting price
£50