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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 238

The Battle of the Somme 1916 D.S.O. group of six awarded to Major C. R. D. Cleminson, 12th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, who was further 'mentioned' in 1917

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R. silver-gilt and enamel; Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Lieut: C. R. D. Cleminson Imp: Yeo:); 1914-15 Star (Capt: C. R. D. Cleminson. L'Pool. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Major C. R. D. Cleminson.); Chew Magna Great War Tribute Medal, 'C. R. D. Cleminson D.S.O.', silver, the first five mounted for wear, light contact marks, very fine (6)

D.S.O. London Gazette 14 November 1916:

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. While leading troops to reinforce the attacking line, he saw the troops on his left retiring and leaving the flank of the division exposed. On his own initiative he at once took his two companies, and any other men he could gather, close to the position, consolidated a defensive flank and held it till relieved.'

Charles Robert Davidge Cleminson was born at Wandsworth, London on 5 March 1879, the son of James and Emma Cleminson (nee Davidge). Educated at Worth School he later joined King's College, Wimbledon and was commissioned into the Royal Fusiliers in December 1896, transferring to the King's (Liverpool) Regiment in 1899. Resigning his commission on 14 July 1899 he sought and received a commission in the Imperial Yeomanry in February 1901, earning a promotion to Lieutenant in July of that same year.

Demobilised in 1902 he returned to civilian life, taking up occupation as a rancher, later appearing on the 1911 census as a rancher. Despite this he was declared bankrupt in 1911 and, perhaps seeking to escape his creditors, he emigrated to Winnipeg in 1913, giving his occupation as soldier.

The outbreak of the great war saw Cleminson return to the colours, being commissioned Lieutenant on 19 August 1914 with 12th Battalion, the King's (Liverpool) Regiment. Advanced Captain in December 1914 he entered the war in France on 24 July 1915 and served with that unit for bulk of the war. They saw heavy action, notably on the Somme when they were employed on the line between July-October 1916 with little rest. Cleminson was awarded his D.S.O. for actions at this time and it was soon to be complimented by a 'mention' (London Gazette 4 January 1917 refers).

Appointed the second in command of the Battalion on 13 April 1917 he was awarded the rank of Major at the same time. Demobilized in September 1919 he settled in Chew Magna, Somerset where he was awarded their Tribute Medal. Cleminson died at Castle House, Gidleigh, Devon and was buried at St. Andrew's Churchyard, Chew Magna; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£1,000 to £1,400

Starting price
£800