Medals, Honours and Awards
Private Richardson
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JN Richardson ran away from home to join the Army at the age of 16.
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As Private J N Richardson he was a member of 3rd Company of the Commissariat and Transport Corps.
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During his service with this unit he was awarded the Egypt Medal with the ‘Suakin 1885’ Clasp (left) and the Khedives Bronze Star 1884-86 (right).
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Pte Richardson was a farrier and hand-made the silver riding boot model of the type he would have worn.
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Accompanying this piece are his actual spurs.
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The sepia photograph shows a young Pte Richardson resplendent in his best uniform wearing his medals.
During this era, horses were a vital tool for intelligence and communications due to their speed and agility, and farriers were essential to their keep.
This family heirloom piece was donated by Private Richardson's brother, Mr J Hansen, Esq in 1973.
Accession number: ASFIC 875
Captain WG Gabain MC
This group of medals were awarded to Captain William George Gabain MC for his service during the First World War.
From left to right they are:
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The Military Cross (MC)
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1914 Star with Clasp: 5th August - 22nd November 1914.
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War Medal
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Victory Medal with Mention in Despatches Oakleaf.
Captain Gabain MC was killed in March 1918.
To discover more about this gallant gentleman, and learn how we obtained his service jacket 99 years after his death, click below.
Accession number: ASFIC 1446
'Cold War Warrior'
This set of medals is typical of the Cold War era and later. From left to right they are:
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General Service Medal 1962-2007 with Northern Ireland Clasp and Mention in Despatches Oakleaf
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Gulf War 1991 Medal
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NATO Medal with Former Yugoslavia Clasp
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NATO Medal with Kosovo Clasp
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Iraq 2003 Medal with Clasp
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Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal
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Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal
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Accumulated Campaign Service Medal with 3 Clasps (signifying more than 12 years on operations, but less than 15)
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Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
The recipient, who joined the Army in 1975, retiring in 2013 after 38 years service, wishes to remain anonymous.
La Legion d'Honneur
Created in May 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, La Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour) is France’s highest and most distinguished decoration for valour and service to the nation: it is awarded for actions in both the military and civilian sectors.
It has three grades: Chevalier, Officer and Commander, plus two for dignitaries of State: Grand Officer and Grand Cross (this latter was awarded to Sir Winston Churchill).
France has awarded the Legion of Honour to nationals of sixty-three countries and a number of Intelligence Corps members have had their distinguished service, courage ‘in the field’ or service to the nation recognised by its award.