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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 150

An unusual 'Army Dental Corps' C.B.E. group of eight awarded to Colonel G. F. Charles, Army Dental Corps, who was Deputy Director of Dental Services to the B.E.F. during the Fall of France later Chief of Dental Administration for Scottish Command

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Commander's (C.B.E.) breast Badge, Military Division, silver-gilt and enamel; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. G. F. Charles.) British War and Victory Medals (Capt. G. F. Charles.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937, slight contact wear, very fine (8)

Ex-Tony Sabbell Collection.

C.B.E. London Gazette 1945. The original recommendation states:

'Colonel Charles has administered the Army Dental Services in Scottish Command for over three years. To his organising ability and wide experience, coupled with energy and enthusiasm, are due the excellent dental arrangements in the Command. During the mobilisation and special training of the large forces for overseas many dental problems arose and were successfully overcome under his supervision. In short, the high standard of dental fitness of all troops in and leaving the Command is undoubtedly due to his zeal and efficiency - attributes which have inspired all his officers and men in their work in the common cause'

George Frederick Charles was born at Heywood, Lancashire on 24 February 1891, the son of George and Isabella Charles. Educated at St. John's Foundation School, he was commissioned Lieutenant in the Special Reserve on 21 September 1915. Entering the war in France on 8 October 1915 with the Dental Branch of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Charles was further advanced Captain on 21 September 1916 he was later posted to serve with the 11th Battalion, Australian Infantry from July 1918. With them he was to see some of the fiercest fighting of the Hundred Days Offensive.

Confirmed in his role after the end of the war Charles went on to serve in Hong Kong from 1926, being promoted Major on 14 January 1928. He returned to Britain on 3 April 1930 and was further advanced Lieutenant-Colonel on 26 July 1935.

Promoted Colonel on 1 July 1939 Charles entered the war in France on 10 September 1939 as Deputy Director Dental Services with Medical HQ and Staff, British Expeditionary Force. During the Blitzkreig in the Summer 1940 he formed two additional Dental units at Boulogne and Dieppe in an attempt to adapt to the changing fronts. These were swiftly overrun however, and Charles returned to Britain before France fell being appointed to the Headquarters of Scottish Command.

Retiring after the war on 16 August 1946 he moved to the village of Battle, Sussex and died there in 1957; sold together with copied research including service records, London Gazette extracts, M.I.C. and medal rolls as well as census data and a former medal listing.

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Estimate
£800 to £1,000

Starting price
£700