United Kingdom. The Miniature Awards of Captain Ernest Harrison Griffin DSO MC & Bar

This excellent presentation of Captain Ernest Harrison Griffin’s war decorations and awards displays, on one side, a letter printed and handwritten, which nominates and appoints Ernest Griffon to be a member of the Distinguished Service Order on the 26th November 1917. Alongside the letter, there is a grouping of war decorations and insignia which includes: a RAMC shoulder title badge; a RAMC cap badge; two RAMC cuff buttons; three RAMC rank pins; a medal bar; miniatures of high quality including a Distinguished Service Order; A Military Cross; A 1914-1915 Star; A British War Medal; A Victory Medal with an oak leaf clasp; and a British Red Cross Society Medal For War Service. The case with a modern frame measures 56 cm (h) x 61 cm (w) and is in mint condition. 

Footnote: Ernest Harrison Griffin (1877-1936) was a temporary Captain with the Royal Army Medical Corps during the First World War. He was mentioned in dispatches as being wounded on three occasions as well as reported killed in action but later reported as a prisoner of war in Germany. On three separate occasions, the 25th August, 1916, 25th August, 1917, and 26th November, 1917, the London Gazette reported on him being awarded the Military Cross, Bar to Military Cross, and Distinguished Service Order, respectively. 

Military Cross: 24th August 1916

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Without food or sleep he worked incessantly treating the wounded of his own and other units under heavy fire. He showed an absolute disregard of danger. On other occasions he has done similar gallant work."

Bar to Military Cross: 25th August 1917

"For Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed the greatest gallantry in rescuing wounded men by night from 'No Mans Land' where they had lain since dawn. He worked for four hours under heavy and continued shell fire directing the bearers, encouraging and personally assisting the wounded, thereby enabling a large number of men to get back into our lines. Whilst thus employed, he went through the enemy's barbed wire to within sixty yards of his position. His work has been excellent since he came out in 1914."

DSO: 26th November 1917

"For Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He established his dressing stations well forward during an attack, and went up to the front line through a storm of artillery and machine gun fire utterly regardless for personal safety. He moved about in the open for thirty six hours without food or rest, attending the wounded, often leading porters and bearers through heavy barrages until every wounded man had been carried back. He remained behind after the battalion was relieved, still searching for wounded, under heavy fire though he was several times badly shaken by the explosions of shells. He set a most inspiring example of courage and devotion to duty."