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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 468

The campaign group of three awarded to Major G. E. Crabbie, Royal Army Service Corps, a scion of the famous Scottish family, he won a 'mention' during the Great War and was previously a Scottish Rugby International

1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. G. E. Crabbie. A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. G. E. Crabbie.), good very fine, with fitted velvet pad on which they have been displayed (3)

George Ernest Crabbie was born in Edinburgh on 23 July 1882. He was educated at Edinburgh Academy, where he early showed his aptitude for games and athletics and won a variety of honours in the field and on the track. He was Captain of the rugby XV and afterwards earned an International Cap for Scotland. Crabbie played on the wing for Scotland against Wales on 6 February 1904 at Swansea, when Wales won 21-3.

Upon leaving school, he joined the firm founded by his grandfather, John Crabbie.
The name 'Crabbie' has become synonymous with green ginger wine and alcoholic ginger beer, but during the 19th century, the firm established by importer, distiller, blender and bottler John Crabbie was one of the best-known and most respected in the world of Scotch whisky. John Crabbie was co-founder of Edinburgh's prestigious North British grain distillery, still very much a feature of the city today, and more than two centuries after his birth, his name is being restored to that distilling scene with the creation of a new Crabbie's malt distillery in Leith.

Young Crabbie served during the Great War, joining up as a Trooper in the Lothian and Border Horse before being commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps. Serving in France, he was 'mentioned' (London Gazette 4 January 1917, refers) and was invalided home, rising to Major by War's end. Crabbie died after a short illness on 23 October 1921, aged just 39, being survived by his widow and three sons.

His elder brother, J. E. Crabbie, advocate, was formerly a notable personality both in Oxford University and Scottish Rugby and represented his country several times in the international field. W. M. Crabbie, his younger brother represented Scotland athletics.

A plaque in his memory was raised at Edinburgh Academy.




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Sold for
£170

Starting price
£110