Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 469

The '1920 H.M.S. Renown Royal Tour of Australia' R.V.M., 'Great War' M.S.M. group of five awarded to Private C. S. Hughes, Welsh Guards, who served as Orderly to the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VIII, during his 1920 Royal Tour of Australia in the wake of the Great War

Royal Victorian Medal, unnamed as issued, in its somewhat distressed case of issue, with letter of attribution; Victory Medal 1914-1919 (748 Pte. C. S. Hughes. W. Gds.); Army L.S. & G.C., Regular Army, G.V.R. (2730053 Gdsmn. C. S. Hughes. W. Gds.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (748 Pte. C. S. Hughes 1/W.Gds.); Imperial Service Medal, E.R.II. (Claud Stewart Hughes), in its original Royal Mint case of issue, polishing and contact wear overall, nearly very fine (5)

M.S.M. London Gazette 12 December 1919.

Claude Stewart Hughes was born at New Eltham, Kent on 31 December 1895, the son of Philip and Louise Hughes. Enlisting on 9 September 1914 along with his brother, Charles Sidney Hughes, the pair received No. 748 and 747 respectively.

Both served in France on 17 August 1915 and served throughout, seeing heavy fighting. However while Hughes emerged from it unscathed his brother was not so lucky, suffering gunshot wounds to the legs on 7 July 1918 which saw his left leg amputated. Hughes was awarded the M.S.M. on 12 December 1919 'in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in France and Flanders.'

With the end of the war he was one of the men selected to accompany the Prince of Wales on the Royal Tour of Australia aboard H.M.S. Renown. The visit was intended to thank the country officially for its immense contribution to the war effort and throughout the Prince made sure to speak to as many ex-servicemen as possible. During this period Hughes is listed variously as his Driver and Orderly, the Prince being Regimental Colonel of the Welsh Guards at the time.

The future King was much impressed with his escort and, upon returning to Britain, recommended Hughes and another Guardsman (E. Roberts, M.M.) for the Royal Victorian Medal. The letter written by his equerry to the Commanding Officer of the Welsh Guards states:

'They have always been clean and sober and ready to help in every way. Although at times they have had to bear a certain amount of discofort [sic], they have never been heard to complain on any occasion. Their conduct throughout the tour has been exemplary. His Royal Highness has been pleased to invest both men the Victorian Medal.'

The letter written by the Colonel to these two men further adds 'He has further instructed me that you are to have a month's furlough on your return to the 1st Battalion'.

After the rigours of a Royal Tour this was doubtless a welcome gift. Working as a postman after his discharge, Hughes was awarded the Imperial Service Medal on 7 April 1936 whilst living in Caterham, Croydon; sold together with an impressive archive comprising:

(i)
A Welsh Guards sweetheart brooch and cap badge.

(ii)
Correspondence from the Prince's A.D.C. to the Commanding Officer of the Welsh Guards and a letter from him to the recipient.

(iii)
An original award document for the Imperial Service Medal.

(iv)
Copied London Gazette entries, census data and M.I.C.

(v)
Information on the 1920 Royal Tour of Australia.

(vi)
Copied service records for the recipient's brother.

(vii)
Several photographs of the then Prince of Wales, both copies and reproductions.

(viii) A large framed reproduction of a picture of the Prince with his two Orderlies (including the recipient) during the Tour.

Further entitled to the 1914-15 Star and the British War Medal 1914-20.

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

Sold for
£580

Starting price
£350