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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 414

Four: Private H. E. Strover, 8th Hussars, who served attached to the Royal Horse Guards from January 1915 and was wounded in their famous charge at Frezenberg Ridge, Ypres on 13 May 1915

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5088 Pte. H. E. Strover. 8th Hussars); British War and Victory Medals (5088 Pte. H. E. Strover. 8-Hrs.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Herbert Edward Strover), very fine (4)

Herbert Edward Strover was born at Lambeth in 1880 and was a porter upon his joining the 8th Hussars in August 1900. Having served with the Regiment in South Africa (Queen's Medal & 4 clasps), he was released to the Reserve in August 1908. With the outbreak of the Great War, Strover was quickly recalled and served in France from 5 August 1914 (1914 Star and clasp).

Given his prior experiences, he was transferred to the Royal Horse Guards from 5 January 1915 and served with 'D' Squadron. Strover was present with the unit in their famous charge at Frezenberg, Ypres on 13 May 1915. At 1400hrs heavy fire was launched by the 10th Hussars and the 8th Cavalry Brigade against the encroaching Germans. The order to counter-attack and retake the front line was ordered at 1415hrs. Five minutes later, the 10th Hussars were joined by the Essex Yeomanry and Royal Horse Guards, who were leading an advancement on their right. Upon their arrival, Lieutenant-Colonel Shearman supposedly pointed towards the German line and stated:

'That is the trench that I am going to take. I shall do it with the greatest ease, there is no doubt about it whatever.'

It was far from that, with heavy losses to all those involved. For his part, Strover took a gunshot wound to the foot, being admitted to hospital on 15 May 1915 and evacuated to England. So severe was the wound that he spent 68 days in the 4th London General Hospital. The Royal Horse Guards raised a memorial to those lost in the action at St Mary's Church, Moulsoe. It was unveiled in May 1922 by Colonel Lord Tweedmouth C.M.G., D.S.O., M.V.O..

Having recovered, Strover was attached to the Reserve Household Battalion from October 1915 and was released in August 1919. Awarded his I.S.M. as a mail porter in the London district in September 1939, the gallant old soldier died in 1954.

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Sold for
£450

Starting price
£170