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Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 910

(x) A Great War 'Egypt Operations' D.S.O. group of five awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel John Milligan, II Lowland Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, late 1st Ayrshire and Galloway, Royal Garrison Artillery

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; 1914-15 Star (Major J. Milligan. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Col. J. Milligan.); Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., hallmarks for London 1915, mounted as worn, some very minor chips to reverse wreath of D.S.O., otherwise nearly extremely fine (5)

D.S.O. London Gazette 1 January 1918.

John Milligan was born at Ayrshire, Scotland in 1872 and entered the Military in 1894. Serving first in the 1st Ayrshire and Galloway Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers) he later joined the 2nd Ayrshire Battery at Kilmarnock. Promoted Major on 6 April 1911 he commanded this Battery, part of the Royal Field Artillery (T.F.).

With the outbreak of the Great War Milligan was posted to Egypt on 23 June 1915, serving with the 261 Brigade (II Lowland) Brigade, attached to the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Milligan received a 'mention' on 1 February 1916 with the rank of temporary Lieutenant Colonel. Not long later the 52nd Division was heavily engaged at the Battle of Romani on the right side of the Allied line.

They advanced into the Sini but were halted by the Ottomans in two blood Battles at Gaza. Milligan however was not to see the Third Battle of Gaza, being admitted to hospital on 20 September 1917 as a result of Typhoid Fever.

Confirmed Lieutenant-Colonel by 1918 Milligan survived the war and went on to command 79th Lowland Field Brigade, a rank he still held in 1925.

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

Sold for
£1,400

Starting price
£700