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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 298

(x) A 'Delhi Durbar 1911' R.V.M. group of four awarded to Driver E. Watkins, Royal Horse Artillery, who acted as a postilion for the State Coach on the occasion of the Durbar

British War and Victory Medals (17911 Dvr. E. Watkins. R.A.); Delhi Durbar 1911; Royal Victorian Medal, G.V.R., silver issue, minor contact wear, overall very fine (4)

R.V.M. London Gazette 2 January 1912.

Edward Watkins was born in 1882 and was living at King's Lynn, Norfolk when he attested for the Royal Artillery on 11 July 1901 at London. Posted to India, he served as Postilion for the State Coach which carried King-Emperor George V on the day of the Delhi Durbar, being one of four men undertaking the role. For this service he was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal, one of just 32 awarded to the Royal Horse Artillery in the reign of King George V. Watkins' entry in Awards of the Royal Victorian Medal, states:

'Watkins, Edwards Driver, Postilion, P Bty, RHA: HM visits to India for the Durbar'

Continuing to serve after the Durbar he was still with 'P' Battery on the outbreak of the Great War. Entering the conflict in Mesopotamia in 1917, he was to serve there until the end of the conflict. Watkins remained with the Royal Horse Artillery after the war, being discharged at Woolwich on 1 December 1922 and listing his address as Tottenhill, Kings Lynn, Norfolk.

The uniform worn by Watkins during the Durbar was loaned to the National Army Museum by the Royal Artillery Museum on 26 May 1967.

Sold together with copied medal rolls, M.I.C., a Royal Artillery attestation form and a Special Notice from The Royal Artillery Historical Society, along with an original letter from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood confirming the award of the R.V.M. dated 1 May 1961; photographs of the Delhi Durbar; an extract from Awards of the Royal Victorian Medal; and typed research.

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

Sold for
£450

Starting price
£190