Miniature Order of St Michael and St George of Lt Gen Sir James Willcocks, 1915
miniature medal, Order of St Michael and St George, miniature medal
Accession Number

NAM.2013-04-17-1

Description

Miniature Order of St Michael and St George of Lt Gen Sir James Willcocks, 1915. Lt Gen Sir James Willcocks became CMG in 1899, KCMG in 1900 and GCMG in 1915. He commanded the Indian Army Expeditionary Force A (made up of the Indian Corps and the Indian Cavalry Corps) in France from September 1914 to September 1915. He rose to the rank of full General in May 1915. He was appointed colonel of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in 1916 and also served as Colonel Commandant of the 59th Scinde Rifles. He was Governor of Bermuda from 1917 to 1922. This medal is suspended from a blue ribbon with a central, vertical red stripe and is connected via a ring suspender attached to a bar. The obverse depicts a 14 point cross coated in white enamel and features the angelic figure of St Michael trampling on Satan with the words 'Auspicium Melioris Ævi' circling the image. This is the motto of the order, meaning 'A Token of a Better Age'. It is written in gold on a blue enamel background. The top point of the cross is connected to a crown. The reverse illustrates St George on horseback fighting the dragon with the same motto inscribed around it. This medal group is suspended on a bar of 20 with a brooch fitting. The reverse of the medal bar features a red felt backing with a label stitched in at the lower centre reading 'SPINK&SON LTD 17&18, PICCADILLY, W. / TO THE KING'. From a miniature medal group awarded to General Sir James Willcocks, GCB, GCMG, KCSI, DSO (1857-1926), 1882-1920.

Campaigns

World War One, Western Front (1914-1918)