Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 94

The superb Great War K.C.M.G., C.B., Anglo-Boer War D.S.O. group of nine awarded to Major-General Sir H. A. L. Tagart, 15th Hussars, who commanded that Regiment on the outbreak of the Great War and later commanded a Brigade during the Battle of the Aisne

The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, K.C.M.G., Knight Commander's set of Insignia, comprising neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; breast Star, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with gold retaining pin; The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion's neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel; Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg (Major H. A. L. Tagart. 15/Hussars.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Lt: Col: H. A. L. Tagart. D.S.O. 15/Hrs.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Brig. Gen. H. A. L. Tagart.); Coronation 1902, silver issue; France, Legion of Honour, Commander's neck Badge, gold and enamel, mounted as worn by Hunt & Roskell Ltd. where applicable, a few enamel chips, otherwise very fine (9)

K.C.M.G. London Gazette 3 June 1918.

C.B. London Gazette 23 June 1915.

D.S.O. London Gazette 19 April 1901.

M.I.D. London Gazette 16 April 1901, 15 June 1916 & 23 January 1917.

France, Legion of Honour London Gazette 24 February 1916.

Harold Arthur Lewis Tagart- also spelled 'Taggart'- was born on the 20 June 1870 at Old Sneyd Park, Gloucestershire. The son of Francis Tagart J.P. D.L. and Isabella Ongley Hopson- herself daughter of Captain Ongley Hopson, 23rd Light Dragoons- , he was educated at Eton and later Trinity College, Cambridge.

He was gazetted to the 15th Hussars as a Second Lieutenant on 3 December 1890 and promoted Lieutenant on 25 May 1892. Further advanced Captain on 13 June 1896 the next year he served as A.D.C. to H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, then G.O.C. at Aldershot.

Posted to South Africa for service in the Boer War as Brigade-Major of the Cavalry Brigade between 19 February 1900-30 August 1901, during this time he was promoted to Major on the 17 September 1900. Tagart was present at the Operations in the Orange Free State in May 1900, including the actions at Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River on 5-6 May and the Zand River. Afterwards involved in Operations in the Transvaal from May and June 1900, including action near Johannesburg and finally Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River later in 1900. Unfortunately for Tagart the climate proved too much for him and he was invalided home with enteric fever. His actions had clearly made an impression however the award of the Distinguished Service Order came to pair with a 'mention' for his services (London Gazette 16 April 1901). The insignia was personally presented to him by the King on 3 June 1901.

Upon recovery he became Brigade Major of the Cavalry Brigade at Aldershot between 21 December 1901-30 September 1902, then becoming D.A.A.G. Presidency District in Calcutta on 2 July 1904. Later joining the Meerut Cavalry Brigade as Brigade-Major from 20 February 1905-1 November 1906, Tagart was promoted Lieutenant Colonel on the 10 October 1911.

In 1911 he succeeded Sir Henry Hodgson in command of the Regiment at Potchefstroom, South Africa. Tagart later returned with the Regiment back to England and was in command at Longmoor when the Great War broke out.

The 15th Hussars went out with the original Expeditionary Force as Divisional Cavalry, the three squadrons serving with the first three divisions. Tagart had therefore no command and instead served as D.A. and Quartermaster General from 10 October 1914.

Promoted to Temporary Brigadier-General from on 10 October 1914 Tagart was appointed to the command a brigade on the Aisne. Later advanced Major-General on 25 October 1915 he served as D.A. and Q.M.G. of the 3rd Army. Holding this post between 1915-1916 Tagart was invalided home in 1916. Served as D.A.G. Home Forces between 1916 to 1918 when he was again invalided, finally retiring on 18 March 1919.

Tagart first married Lady Mary Keppel in 1900, sixth daughter of the 7th Earl of Albemarle. Whilst they were shooting in the Himalayas, Lady Mary Tagart contracted ptomaine poisoning and died in 1903. He remarried a Miss Josephine Mary Charlotte Hibbert in 1908 who also predeceased him.

Tagart died in London on the 19 March 1930; sold together with assorted research which also confirms the 1902 Coronation Medal.

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

Estimate
£6,000 to £8,000

Starting price
£6000