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Auction: 23002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 25

The British War Medal awarded to Sir J. Henniker-Heaton, 2nd Baronet, son of a well-known Member of Parliament and postal reformer, who served with both the Australian Light Horse and Welsh Horse during the Great War

British War Medal 1914-20 (Capt. Sir J.H. Heaton.), good very fine

John Henniker Heaton was born in Australia on 19 April 1877, son of Sir John Henniker Heaton, 1st Baronet, K.C.M.G., C.B.: during his lifetime, John senior became well known as a journalist in Australia with an interest in telegraphic communication and the postal system. Returning to London in 1884, a year later he was returned as the Conservative member for Canterbury and became renowned in the House of Commons for his interest in anything concerning postal matters. Made a Baronet (of Mundarrah Towers in Sydney, Australia) in 1912, upon his death in 1914 he was succeeded to the Baronetcy by his eldest son, also John.

Educated at Eton, he saw active service in South Africa with the 40th (Oxfordshire) Company Imperial Yeomanry as 7977 Private J.H. Heaton (Queen's Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal) and in November 1914 joined the Colours once again, this time with the 8th Australian Light Horse. Giving his profession as 'Linguist' and noting previous service with the 'Eton Volunteers Imperial Yeomanry'. Appointed Warrant Officer, his Australian service papers note that he proceeded to the United Kingdom (via Egypt) to a Commission in the Welsh Horse. His Medal Index Card notes the British War Medal as his sole entitlement for the Great War, it being sent to him care of the Bath Club, Dover Street, London. Upon his death in February 1963 he was succeeded to the Baronetcy by his eldest son, John Victor Peregrine Henniker-Heaton.

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Sold for
£250

Starting price
£60