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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 165

(x) A 1919 Mesopotamia operations O.B.E. group of nine awarded to Colonel C. Preedy, Royal Engineers

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division (O.B.E.) Officer's 1st Type breast Badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Major C. Preedy); India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Burma 1930-32 (Major C. Preedy, R.E.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, generally very fine or better (9)

O.B.E. London Gazette 3 March 1919 (Mesopotamia).

Clement Preedy was born on 30 September 1886, the son of the Rev. Canon Preedy of Saltash, Cornwall. Educated at Cheltenham and the R.M.C. Sandhurst, he was commissioned in the Royal Engineers in July 1907. He subsequently spent the greater part of his career employed in India, other than active service in Mesopotamia in the Great War, where he arrived in July 1916 and gained the O.B.E. and a 'mention' (London Gazette 15 August 1917, refers).

The inter-War period witnessed his participation in the Third Afghan War and the Burma operations of 1930-32, in which latter year he was advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel, following which he was placed on half-pay in June 1936. Recalled on the renewal of hostilities, he served in Burma and was advanced to the honorary rank of Colonel in 1943.

His homecoming was blighted by his wife having committed adultery with another officer. As reported in the press in July 1945, the Court heard that 'the misconduct was alleged to have been committed at Bow Cottage, Lewdown, near Oakhampton' and costs were awarded against the offending officer. Preedy was granted a decree nisi. He died at Saltash in May 1965; sold together with copied research, including medal roll verification.

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

Sold for
£1,300

Starting price
£240