Lot 367
The medals of Lt Col Philby SLI
THE MEDALS OF LT COL O G B PHILBY SLI & HIS PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM.
A 1914 Star and bar, named to Lt O G B Philby S L I. British War & Victory Medals, named to Capt O G B Philby. A France & Germany Star, Defence & War medals, unnamed as issued. A 1937 Coronation medal, the seven mounted for wear.
A fine Photograph Album of his between wars postings, starting in Hong Kong in 1929. Consisting of some 240 photographs or original postcards, of Kowloon, Perak, Columbo, Horses, people and Typhoon damage, etc.
Born into the family of the Reverend Jas and Mrs Jenny Euphemia Philby, at Dulverton Vicarage. Educated at Blundells School between 1900 and 1908, Head boy and a gifted Sportsman. He was in the Cricket X1 and the Rugby XV, excelling at sports throughout his life. As a Rugby Scrum half or a Hockey Centre-Forward, etc.
Then onto Sandhurst and a commission into the Somerset Light Infantry in 1910.
He landed with his battalion in France 22nd/23rd August, expecting a rest in billets. Immediately they were ordered into the Front Line, which was under a massive German assault. Arriving at Briastre on the 24th, north of them and approaching nearer to them was smoke from the fires of captured farms and villages. Ordered to act as rearguard for the troops retreating from Mons, position was taken up in the Ligny area.
On the 26th August Lt Philby was wounded in the leg, the retreat again resumed.
He fought through the Battles of Le Cateau, The Marne and The Aisne.
He was captured probably during the abortive German Attacks, of the 25/26/27/28th September with several other SLI officers. After over three years in a Prisoner of War camp, he was interned in Holland from January 1918. Repatriated to England in November (18th) 1918. He had been promoted to Captain in 1916, then served as a Staff Officer in 1919.
With photocopied details of a letter printed in the Bath Herald, October 3rd 1914 wriiten by the then Major Prowse. Later LT Col CB. His narrative is precise and honest, in it he mentions Lt Philby. he describes the action against the German Guards. Philby though wounded three times, walked out to the retreat as cool as you like.
Between the wars he saw service with his Battalion, in several overseas postings. Including N Ireland, Egypt, Gibraltar, India and the Far East, lastly in N W Europe. He was Adjutant of the Regiment between 1925-28. Commanding the 2nd Battalion SLI 1937-1940.
Awarded the France & Germany Star, Defence & War medals, for his service in the North West Europe Campaign 1944-45.
A son of Exmoor who truly took to military life, always considerate with his men. He loved to play any sports in the army, never losing his love of horses. Always ready to show his men by deed, how the job should be done especially relating to Machine Guns.
Retiring from the army he returned to his beloved Exmoor, supporting hunts and local shows, etc.
Having married his wife Pamela in 1942, the daughter of Brig Gen H W Cobham DSO Indian Army. They had two daughters and passed onto them, their love of Exmoor.
