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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 131

A fine centenarian's Legion of Honour group of four awarded to Private B. Stubbings, Royal Berkshire Regiment who, enlisting underage, was wounded and taken Prisoner of War on the First Day of the German Spring Offensive; he became one of eleven veterans from Dorset to be decorated by the French Government in 1998

1914-15 Star (18438 Pte B. Stubbings. R. Berks: R.); British War and Victory Medals (18438 Pte. B. Stubbings.R. Berks. R.); France, Republic, Legion of Honour, breast Badge, silver and enamel, polishing to first three, overall very fine (4)

Bertie Stubbings was born at St. Pancras, London on 20 March 1898, the son of William and Rosina Stubbings of 122 Malden Road, St. Pancras. As the son of a piano craftsman, he left school to take up an apprenticeship in the craft himself; he lent towards metalwork and found particular joy in constructing ecclesiastical pieces for local churches.

Enlisting with the Royal Berkshire Regiment while still only 17, on the outbreak of the Great War Stubbings joined the war in France on 30 September 1915. Serving with 7th Platoon, 'B' Company, 8th Battalion he saw heavy fighting throughout the Great War, notably at Ypres and Arras until being caught up in the German Spring Offensive. Wounded and taken prisoner at Moy, south of St. Quentin on 21 March 1918, Stubbings survived his injuries and made it home. Demobilised on 31 March 1919 he returned to work in Britain and, upon the outbreak of the Second World War, did his bit by putting his skills to good use in the construction of gun turrets. Otherwise he kept his hand in ecclesiastical works, notably one of his pieces - a 5 foot 9 inch gold and ebony cross - was placed in the National Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, Washington D.C.

Stubbings proved extremely long-lived and, at the age of 100, in honour of the 80th anniversary of the Armistice the French Government decorated him. Eleven other men from Dorset received the award at the time - with an astonishing combined age of 1,100. Sadly, although he was informed that the award was to be made, Stubbings never lived to receive it in person. He died at Silverways Nursing Home, Highcliffe on 16 October 1998. In a touching moment during the funeral, members of his family placed the Badge upon the coffin; sold together with a wood and glass frame, original photographs, a Royal Berkshire Regiment Badge and identity tag, besides copied research.

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Sold for
£380

Starting price
£80