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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 243

(x) The fascinating C.B. and Anglo-Zulu War group of three awarded to Major-General G. Salis-Schwabe, 16th (Queen's) Lancers, a life-long professional cavalryman who was the senior of only three officers of that Regiment to serve in South Africa in 1879; in later life he became Lieutenant-Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion's (C.B.) breast Badge, Military Division, silver-gilt and enamel; Jubilee 1897, silver, unnamed as issued; South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (Major G. S. Schwabe. 16th Lancers.), very fine (3)

C.B. London Gazette 26 June 1902.

George Salis-Schwabe was born in July 1843 into a notable family: his father, Salis Schwabe (originally known as Salomon ben Elias) was a successful North-German Jewish cotton printer and his mother, Julie, was a noted educationalist, philanthopist and founder of schools both within Britain and in Europe; they counted many famous members of society amongst their friends including Frederic Chopin and Charles Dickens. As may be expected, young Salis-Schwabe received a full and thorough education himself, principally at University College School and London University, before being commissioned Cornet in the 16th Lancers on 23 September 1863.
His military career saw him rise fairly rapidly through the ranks of two principal cavalry regiments: from the 16th he transferred to the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) and by 17 March 1877 was Major in that regiment. In the intervening years he had also been appointed to a number of Staff posts - from 1872-73 he was Brigade-Major (Acting) Cavalry at Aldershot; Brigade-Major Cavalry for the Curragh District from 1873-75; and found himself back at Aldershot from 1875-77 as Brigade-Major Cavalry. As a Staff Officer with significant experience of this work, in addition to regimental duties earlier in his career, Salis-Schwabe was selected for 'Special Service' during the Anglo-Zulu War; he embarked for Natal with cavalry drafts and later served during the campaign as Commanding Officer of the Native Carrier Corps (some 2,000-strong) which he organised in addition to commanding. Upon returning home Salis-Schwabe appears to have resumed regimental duties and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in command of the 16th Lancers in July 1881.

At the 1885 General Election he was elected M.P. for Middleton in Lancashire - very much the 'family seat' and it is likely his parents' genuine interest in the wellbeing of those who worked for them factored into their son's life too. His political tenure was to be short-lived, however, as when the Liberals split over Home Rule he joined the Liberal Unionists and did not seek re-election in 1886. Throughout this time he had remained in the Army; he received his Diamond Jubilee Medal as Officer Commanding, Mauritius, and was promoted to Major-General in 1898 - that year also taking up the post of Lieutenant-Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the famous 'Chelsea Pensioners'. Holding this position for seven years, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 1902 Coronation Honours (receiving his C.B. personally from H.M. King Edward VII at Buckingham Palace on 24 October 1902) and died at the Bavarian spa town of Bad Kissingen on 13 July 1907, at the relatively young age of 63 - at which time he was also Colonel of the 3rd (Prince of Wales's) Dragoon Guards.

Sold with a framed display originally housing the medals.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£3,000

Starting price
£1600