TOPIC:

I feel slightly embarrassed at the fact that i have done some research on this and even delivered a paper on the above subject to the OMRS (Aust) at last years convention in Canberra but failed to submit it to the forum, this is something that i will rectify now.



The Queens Scarf




The History

The story of the Scarfs is a most interesting one. It has been well established that Queen Victoria had on previous occasions made personalized gifts to her soldiers during the Crimea and other campaigns, she gifted handkerchiefs and other comforts to the men. During the early stage of the Boer war, a special form of recognition from Queen Victoria was created.
Her Majesty decided to work by hand a total of 8 scarfs to be tokens of the love and affection that she held for “her soldiers” during the 2nd Anglo Boer War 1899-1902.

The Composition

The scarf was to be Khaki in Colour and made from Berlin wool. The Scarf’s were 5” wide with a 2” fringe and 5’ long. With her eyesight failing and more than a few dropped stitches, she was in fact helped in this undertaking by Princess Alexandra who corrected her work, this being an admission made to Du Frayer (the Australian recipient) after the presentation in Sydney in 1901.


The Intent

They were to be made available to the men who displayed the qualities of being the “best all-round man in the army” although there are different interpretations both contemporary and modern.

The initial 4 scarfs were to be distributed amongst men of the British Army. The distribution to the British troops was not however, in any way even handed. The 4 scarfs’ set aside for presentation to British troops were given to Prince Christian Victor, who had trained with and then serving with the 2nd Brigade, and as such, he limited the distribution to his own Brigade, as he had stated in correspondence that he considered them the worthiest men.

This Brigade consisted of the following Infantry Regiments:
1.Royal West Surrey Regiment
2.The East Surrey Regiment
3.The Devonshire Regiment
4.The West Yorkshire Regiment
The remaining 4 scarfs (mufflers) were to be distributed amongst troops from each of the participating Colonies, namely; Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, these 4 scarfs were handed to Lord Roberts for distribution.

All scarf’s to British Forces went to the infantry soldiers whereas 3 of the 4 Colonial recipients were mounted troops.

Eligibility
I doubt very much whether the Queen had set the guidelines over and above request that they be given to the “Best All-Round Man”. And this is key, as it was left up to the interpretation of her wishes by those responsible for their distribution.

There is conjecture over eligibility. This can be seen through the 2 different methods of determination, namely:
-Best all-round man (The Queen/Prince Christian Victor)
-Most Distinguished Private Soldier (Lord Roberts)

Those sent to Lord Roberts for distribution (in which Roberts states) in his dispatch of March 1, 1902, that the scarves “were gifts from the Queen to the most distinguished private soldiers then serving” & “In conclusion his Lordship desires to place on record that in April 1900, her late Majesty Queen Victoria was graciously pleased to send him four woollen [sic] scarves worked by herself, for distribution to the four most distinguished private soldiers in the Colonial Forces of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, then serving under my command”.

Selection Criteria
The selection for these gifts of honour was made by the officer commanding the various colonial contingents concerned, it being understood that “gallant conduct in the field” was to be considered the Primary qualification (it is not known if it was Roberts who inserted the need for “gallant conduct” or not,- but most likely).

There does not appear to be any further information as to which commanding officers were involved in the selection but presume this was Regimental CO’s for the British and Contingent CO’s for the Colonials). With colonial formations spread over several brigades and columns, one can only deduce that names were put forward and up the chain of command possibly the recommendation via the Brigade Commander to the Contingent Commander after the respective cases for the nominees was made, after which, the names were submitted to Lord Roberts to be signed off. This is confirmed in correspondence with the Queen regarding the length of time taken to make the final selection.

In the case of Kingsley (from 2nd Brigade), it was simply a matter of the Commanding officer making an appointment, but Ballots in various forms and processes were also used to award scarfs to others.

In the case of Chadwick, it is known that correspondence was sent to Queen Victoria by Roberts and that he erroneously referred to the Canadian recipient as being American (in Fact it was the South African recipient that was American). The CO Colonel Beresford of Roberts Horse, challenging the voracity of the scarf being awarded to Trooper Chadwick and arguing that because he was an American citizen and not from a British Colony, his eligibility is brought into question. Roberts’ replies to him indicating that Chadwick was a member of a South African Irregular Unit and as such his nationality is not in question as to his fitness to receive the award.

I think it worth stating that the gallantry displayed by Chadwick at Sanna’s Post was typical of the man as only 2 years earlier he had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour for his Gallantry in Havana Harbour during the Spanish American War.

Status of the Scarf as an award
Over the years there has been some confusion with the status of the Queen's Scarf within the context of British military awards, many have perceived or attempted to compare it to the Victoria Cross.

Indeed, there were 78 awards of the Victoria Cross during the Boer War against the award of 8 Queen's scarves. However, it is my assertion that the Queen's Scarf was never intended to be a substitute or to complement the existing system of awards for Valour or Gallantry.

The Assistant Keeper of the Queen's Archives states that the only papers in the Royal Archives which refer to this matter come from an extract of a note made in the Royal Archives are dated May 26, 1956.

It reads in part: "In a certain sense the scarves may be regarded as a greater honour stitched as they were by the hands of The Queen herself, and strictly limited in number. But whatever their relative status, they can hardly be treated as the precise equivalent of the V.C. In the first place, they were not (so the Stationery Office informs us) gazetted.”


“Secondly, they were awarded on a different basis from the V.C. One was to go to the “bravest soldier” in each of the four colonial contingents fighting in South Africa. To be the bravest soldier in a particular contingent is not, in itself, sufficient qualification for the award of the V.C”. “Clearly, then, they must be treated as a separate honour." (than the Victoria Cross).

This note to the Royal Archives was made presumably on account of the confusion arising as to the status of the scarf caused by a controversy at the time of the Centenary of the Victoria Cross Celebrations (most likely by a letter seeking attendance from Du Frayer’s son).

Whilst the Scarf as an award was not Gazetted (as such), it is true that the names of the colonial individuals who received the scarf were. This is born out in the Despatch sent by Lord Roberts of the 17th of June 1902.

“The Selection for these gifts of honour was made by the officers commanding the contingents concerned. It being understood that gallant conduct in the field was to be the primary consideration. The names of those selected, to whom the scarves have already been presented are as follows…………
As this despatch is a continuation of my despatch dated, London 4th September 1901, I would request that all the mentions herein made may be considered as bearing the same date of 29th November 1900 as those in that Despatch”. It is most likely that these (later comments by Roberts) comments seem to be the foundation on which Canadian historian Bart Armstrong CD, who appears to have relied on this dispatch together certain newspaper articles concerning holders of the scarf to claim that the Scarf was more than a mere comforter but rather a recognised gallantry award that was to rank in stature with the VC, and to presume that the mention of the names of the recipients in the London Gazette in itself constituted the validity of the scarf within the Imperial honours system. I have taken the view that most newspaper articles of the day appear to have enriched the status of the scarf for the benefit of morale, the reader and circulation and as stated earlier without letters patent, you do not have an award.
There is no evidence to suggest that the intention from Queen Victoria that this award was in fact expected to be worn in uniform and it is more likely that her intent was for the item to provide comfort to those selected during the cold and damp nights in South Africa as had been conveyed to her by her Grandson Prince Christian Victor in his letters home from the front, that comfort going to “the best all-round man”.

This is reinforced by the fact that:

1.Lord Roberts (refers in correspondence) to the “distribution” & “selection” of the scarf and that "it being understood that gallant conduct in the field was to be considered the primary Qualification" infers that there were other considerations.

2. A 9th Scarf exists. This scarf is identical to those sent to South Africa in every way and was presented to Lady Wantage who had requested a special gift she could give to her hospital from the Queen. It was Princess Beatrice who donated it to Lady Wantage who then presented it (as patron) to Wantage community hospital at the time. The intention was for that scarf to provide comfort to the patients. This scarf is now in the possession and on display at The Vale and Downland Museum Oxfordshire.

This did not however dissuade, the Australian recipient Du Frayer in petitioning Queen Mary (King George V had died in 1936), to have the Scarf recognized alongside the VC, or for his son petitioning a pension for his mother upon the death of Du Frayer in 1940. Both of which were declined by Buckingham Palace.

Du Frayer was not to receive his scarf until a visit by the then Prince of Wales (later GVR) on a visit to Sydney in 1901 at which time Du Frayer was recovering from injuries received during the war.

It appears that Du Frayer took to wearing his scarf in the same manner that a colour Sergeant would wear his sash over the right shoulder and affixed at the left hip under his waistbelt (as did some others as photo’s exist in studio portraits only).
He was to make much of his award for social capital around Sydney and the Sydney Bulletin wrote a satirical piece on him in its edition of 29th June 1901, “Lieutenant Du Frayer and his Scarf are a much-photo’d pair in this town. Sometimes the scarf is pictured without the Lieutenant, Never the Lieutenant without the scarf. It is a homely brown thing - such as any old lady might knit - but it has the merit of being entirely the late Queen's work".

The push for recognition
Over the years, recipients and family members had attempted to seek special recognition for the scarf, this took many forms some of which include:
- Post nominals of “QS” after the name – the only time that this appears to have published was in the NSW Army and Navy list 1901 in which 1 of 3 insertions of Du Freyer’s name and subsequently removed in the next edition with a footnote “awarded Queens Scarf for service in South Africa”

- Recognition that the award was not dissimilar to the VC.
- Financial renumeration by way of special pension.
- Attendants at VC & GC events being held.
- A call for a public holiday in his/there honour.

The Australian recipient Du Frayer (who was then living in Tanganyika) petitioned Queen Mary (King George V had died in 1936), to have the Scarf recognised alongside the VC to which the Palace replied that they were unable to provide a favourable outcome, or for his son petitioning a pension for his mother upon the death of Du Frayer in 1940, and again for the VC celebrations being held in 1956 in a letter from the war office on the subject they replied: "while the Queen's Scarf is regarded as a most unique and distinguished award, relatives of those who received it are not being included in the present ceremony as it does not carry equal status with the Victoria Cross."


The Colonial Recipients

Australia – Pte. (Later) Lieutenant A. Du Frayer, NSW Mounted Rifles rescued a dismounted comrade under heavy fire Karee Siding on April 11, 1900.
New Zealand – Trooper Henry Coutts, (1st New Zealand Contingent) - rescued a wounded mate caught in the ambush at Koornspruit/Sanna's Post on 31 March 1900.
Canada – Pte. Richard Rowland Thompson, 2nd Bn Royal Canadian Regiment. went to the aid of wounded comrades at Paardeburg on 18 and 27 February 1900
South Africa – Trooper Leonard Chadwick, Roberts' Horse – Koornspruit/Sanna’s Post (also served in the USN and was also a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honour- for his actions in Havana harbour during Spanish American War)

Recipients of the 2nd Brigade
- Quartermaster Sergeant Henry George Clay, DCM, 2nd Bn, The East Surrey Regiment. - Wounded at Colenso and at Vaal Krantz

- Colour Sergeant William Colclough, 2ndBn, The Devonshire Regiment. Elected by Officers and men of the Regiment no apparent singular act of gallantry recorded.

- Colour Sergeant Thomas Ferrett, DCM, 2ndBn, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) - Battle of Colenso.

- Colour Sergeant Frank Kingsley DCM, West Yorkshire Regiment
Gallantry in action at Tabanyama/Spion Kop citation refers.

It is interesting to note that the colonial awards all went to those holding the rank of Private (or equivalent) as per the dispatch of Roberts (and presumably the communication of his interpretation of the Queens wishes), and that those to the British troops (being Best all-round man) went to Senior non-commissioned officers holding at least the rank of sergeant, and that 3 of the 4 British recipients were also in receipt of the DCM whereas none of the colonial troops were. This disparity, I cannot reconcile & have alluded to in earlier comments again reinforces the intent of Lord Roberts as opposed to that of her majesty whose expectation was to the “Best All-round Man”.

Further discrepancies appear in the manner by which the award was bestowed, in some cases the recipient was selected by the commanding officer without a rank-and-file vote (at least in the case of Kingsley) and that with some of the colonial troops. It would appear that a ballot was held exclusively for the rank and file.
In the case of Colclough of the Devonshire Regiment Officer participation occurred after the ballot was reduced to a final total of 8 candidates.at which time the brigade officers then voted to select the recipient.

As for the acts of Gallantry which were used in the overall determination,
2 were for Koornspruit/Sanna’s Post
2 for Colenso
1 for Paardeburg
1 for Tabanyama
1 karee Siding
1 no specific act recorded (Colclough)
It is interesting to note that half of the scarfs awarded (where the act of gallantry was visible) occurred in 2 actions that resulted in losses for the British forces and where the 2 greatest number of gallantry awards was made for for a single day's fighting namely Colenso and Sanna's Post.
Also of note is that all acts for which the scarf was awarded occurred in the first phase of the war and prior to the relief of Ladysmith, my thinking on this is that it most likely thought that the ABW would at that stage be a relatively short campaign.

Scarfs Extant
Of the Current location of scarfs, 4 are in Museums,
-Thompson is in the Canadian War Museum.
-Coutts is in National Army Museum New Zealand
-Du Frayer is in the Australian War Memorial
-Ferrett is in Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Museum
-Colclough Privately held
- Coutts Destroyed by fire 2015
-Chadwick Whereabouts unknown
-Kingsley Whereabouts unknown

It is surprising that so many have survived given that wool back in the day was untreated and therefore subject to infestation, the only scarf we are aware of being destroyed was by fire and is testament to the manner and degree to which the scarfs were prized.
The Scarf that accompanies the group to Kingsley is a reproduction of the original. The only original scarf to be sold was that to Colclough and that together with his group sold in 2017 at Spink with a hammer of GBP 13K.


[/i]Sergeant Major Frank Kingsley D.C.M.







Frank Kingsley was born in London (Stamford Hill) in 1865.

He first enlisted on 26th August 1887 and at the time his occupation was listed as groom. His first year with the colours was spent at home after which he was posted to India and served there between 1888 to 1896.

Frank was to marry a year after returning home to Agnes Fanny Oakley on 24th May 1897 in the registry office at Dover. Frank was to undertake a couple of courses and held certificates in Transport and Musketry. He also undertook education certificates 3rd,2nd and 1st class the last of which he obtained in 1899 these were to obviously hold him in good stead given the glowing remarks upon discharge.

He rose relatively quickly through the ranks and his dedication, diligence and soldiering saw him promoted to Corporal in 1890, Lance Sergeant in September ’92 and Sergeant November ‘1892. His promotion to Colour Sergeant occurred in 1894. With his enlistment term completed he re-engaged in August 1899 for the Boer War.

The 2nd Battalion sailed on the Roslin Castle on 19th October 1899, and arrived at the Cape about 8th November and at Durban about the 11th. Along with the 2nd Queen's, 2nd Devons, and 2nd East Surrey, they formed the 2nd Brigade under Major General Hildyard.

After their arrival, the 2nd Bn West Yorkshire Regiment was first engaged at Willow Grange on 22nd November 1900.

General Hildyard made the night attack on Joubert's people, the West Yorks had the place of honour and did well. In his report, dated 24th November 1899, General Hildyard said, "Colonel Kitchener, West Yorkshire Regiment, led the assaulting force with energy and judgment, and all ranks of the 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment behaved admirably". The losses of the battalion were approximately 10 men killed, 1 officer and 50 men wounded, and Major Hobbs a prisoner.
Major Hobbs was taken prisoner owing to his anxiety to bring in all those who were wounded. At Venter's Spruit the battalion had some very severe fighting on the left of Warren's force, particularly on 21st January at Tabanyama.

“One company (Kingsley’s) got so far in advance of the general line that they had to remain isolated till nightfall. That day the battalion lost 1 officer (Captain Ryall) and 5 men killed, 1 officer and over 40 men wounded”.

In the published Boer War Diary of Malcolm Riall, the entry for Sunday 21 January reads: “Fight began in real earnest at dawn. Sniping had been going on all night… Ryall and a section advanced about 400 yards in front of position and nearly got wiped out. Captain Ryall wounded in three places and died next morning. Battalion retired at dusk as it was impossible to advance against the Boer fire.”

In the Report from Major-General H Hildyard on the 2nd Brigade operations of 21st January 1900. The despatch that led to the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal reads:

“Colour-Serjeant Kingsley, when his company was unexpectedly caught by a very heavy crossfire which wounded both his Officers, showed coolness and intelligence in withdrawing his men steadily to cover, and gallantry in bringing his Captain under cover when mortally wounded. His case is an exceptional one, worthy of recommendation for the medal for Distinguished Conduct”.
2 Days later, Kingsley was engaged at Spion Kop
Vaal Krantz (February 5-February 7) was the 3rd attempt by General Sir Redvers Buller to lift the siege of Ladysmith against the forces of Boer General Botha. The Battalion held the right of the hill and were “badly bothered on February 7 by rifle and shell fire, but of course held their ground without a murmur.
The engagement at Sugarloaf Hill was to be another great test for Kingsley and the men of the 2nd West Yorkshires
Kingsley was to stay in South Africa for the duration of the war and apart from the actions pertaining to the Relief of Ladysmith, he also campaigned in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, he also participated in the battles leading to the awarding of the clasps for Tugela Heights, Laing’s Nek
For his Service, Kingsley received the following medals.

Distinguished Conduct Medal VR. (LG 19th April 1901)
(Col Sgt. F Kingsley, 2nd W. York Regt.)

Queens South Africa Medal 1899 – 1902
- Tugela Heights
- Orange Free State
- Relief of Kimberley
- Transvaal
- Lang’s Nek
- (1957 Col Sejt. F Kingsley, 2nd W. York Regt.)

King’s South Africa Medal
- SA 1901
- SA 1902
- (1957 Serjt – Major F. Kingsley. W. York: Regt)

London Gazette entries of awards for the ABW are the hardest to research as there was only 1 awards list per year, this requires the researcher to go through the force commanders individual dispatches to locate the event and name leading up to the award.

It should also be noted that whilst citations for the DCM awarded during the ABW did sometimes appear in the London gazette, in the main DCM gazetting was basically a “Job Lot”. It is more common to see details and circumstances of an award from the actual despatch from the field. It should also be remembered whereas awards to low ranking soldiers are most likely to be for specific cacts of gallantry as opposed to those of senior NCO’s whose actions fall (in a lot of cases) into thr category of distinguished service over a long period of time.

I note that the DCM roll compiled by Peter Abbott states that Kingsley’s award was for Spion Kop, this is incorrect and is an assumption most likely based upon the despatch by Sir Charles Warren in relations to operations in and around Spion Kop. The evidence for this is that Spion Kop was held between 23rd and 24th January 1900, whereas the death of Captain Ryall (the only Captain casualty for the period in question) occurred is recorded as 21st January 1900 during battle at Tabanyama 2 days earlier.

The Presentation
Frank Kingsley was also the recipient of one of the eight scarves crocheted by Queen Victoria as an award of honour from the reigning monarch for his gallant conduct in the field and for being considered “the best all round man” in the Regiment.

He received his scarf at Standerton on 7 August 1900 when the following diary entry was made by 2699 Pte W Sykes of C Company, West Yorks:

“On the 7th we had a parade at 9 o’clock, this was in clean fatigue dress, when we got on parade the Commanding Officer told us that the Queen had sent four mufflers which she had knitted herself to Prince Christian and she said they was to be given to rank and file and Prince Christian elected to give them to the 2nd Brigade as the most deserving of them, one to each Regt as he had done all his soldiering with the 2nd Brigade and in our Regt C.S. Kingsley was presented with it afterwards, three cheers for the Queen was given and an issue of whisky to drink the Queen’s health with which we did heartily. In the afternoon we were ordered to strike camp at 2.30 as we were for Pretoria, we got all packed up and ready when the order was cancelled till next morning.”

Kingsley’s DCM was gazetted on 19 April 1901, and he was promoted to Warrant Officer / Sergeant Major on 1 May 1902.

He stayed in the Army until 7th September 1906. His service file states that he was both a very able clerk and a very good manager, at which time he resigned at his own request to pension after 19 years and 13 days with the colours his posting at discharge being Hollywood, Belfast. His intended residence was listed as 73 Knights Hill, West Norwood, Surrey.

The 1911 census shows Frank as the head of house, with his wife Agnes at that stage married for 15 years there were no children, living in Barking.

He was to become a Pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Frank died on 26th October 1952 at the age of 86, his death being registered at Ampthill Bedfordshire.


...

Excellent work. Thank you.

A question.

Do you know whether "gold decorations", to be worn in lieu of the scarves, were every presented? Several articles in Australian newspapers reported that these "gold stars and clasps" were to be bestowed upon the scarf-winners during the Coronation celebrations.

"The star will be similar to the Victoria Cross, only made of gold".

"All troops will be required to 'present arms' and salute the 'Queen's Scarf or equivalent', the star".


Australasian, 22nd June 1901, p. 31

THE SCARF, KNITTED BY QUEEN VICTORIA.

His Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York also conferred on Lieutenant Dufrayer a gold star and clasp, to be worn in lieu of the scarf, which takes equal rank with the Victoria Cross. A document is also to be drawn up and signed by His Majesty the King indicating that he is the wearer of the scarf for Australia. This is to be kept as a record by Lieutenant Dufrayer. All troops in the British empire present arms to the Queen's scarf or its equivalent. Lieutenant Dufrayer was some years ago dux of the Brighton Grammar School.


Australasian, 22nd June 1901, p. 45

At the distribution of medals the Duke of Cornwall said to Lieutenant Du Frayer, who was wearing the Queen's Scarf, that when he arrived home he would send out a gold star to be worn beside it. The star will be similar to the Victoria Cross, only made of gold. Turning to Sir Arthur Bigge, His Royal Highness added, "Make a note of that".


McIvor Times, 11th July 1901

The Queen's Scarf.

"All Australians are now familiar", says the Sydney Mail, "with the acts of gallantry for which Trooper A.H. Dufrayer, of Narrandera, was allotted, by acclamation of his comrades and officers, one of the four scarfs of honour knitted by her late Majesty Queen Victoria, and to be so distributed among different sections of the army in South Africa. As only four such scarfs have been awarded, or ever can be – now that the Queen is no more – the distinction is great, and one of which Australians may be proud. The Australian recipient, since his return from the war, has been granted a lieutenancy, and was decorated with the scarf by the Duke of Cornwall and York at the Royal review. As the lieutenant was again in town lately on his way to Narrandera we had an opportunity of inspecting the trophy. It is a knitted woollen scarf, with V.R.I. embroidered in the corner, the whole the personal world of her late Majesty, who had an old fashioned skill in various forms of fancy needlework. As to wear the scarf repeatedly would be to wear out an unreplaceable and uniquely valuable decoration, the King has decided, Lieutenant Dufrayer was informed by the Duke, to award to the four scarf winners a gold star and clasp, which will rank equal with the Victoria Cross, and carry with it the same distinction. All troops will be required to 'present arms' and salute the 'Queen's Scarf or equivalent', the star. Further, each of the four holders will receive from the King an autographed record to be handed down as an heirloom with the scarf. The star and attesting document will probably be conferred personally by his Majesty on the occasion of his coronation in next May. Lieutenant Dufrayer is a native of Melbourne, but has been engaged in pastoral work in New South Wales during most of his life, and enlisted from Narrandera, where he had spent the previous seven years, and whither he returns. By order of the King, the holders of the four scarfs are to be distinguished by the affix 'Q.S' ".


Adelaide Chronicle, 4th January 1902

Captain Dufrayer, the recipient of one of the four scarves knitted by the late Queen for the colonial soldiers who performed the most distinguished services at the war, will shortly leave for London to witness the coronation ceremony, to which he has been commanded. The first intimation he received with respect to his attendance at the coronation wan during the visit of the Prince of Wales to Sydney. At that time Captain Dufrayer was acting as special aide-de-camp, and was on duty on the wharf when the Royal party left. Noticing his presence, the Prince spoke to Captain Dufrayer, expressing a hope to see him at the coronation ceremony, and intimating that on his reaching London he would make him one of his own aides-de-camp. Subsequent to this incident Captain Dufrayer learned from the Governor General that the four soldiers who had been honoured by the gift of the scarves were to be also granted gold decorations that might be worn in public, together with documents certifying to their actions signed by the King. Further, Captain Dufrayer ascertained that it was intended that these decorations were to be handed over to the recipients by the King himself.

..

Illustrated London News, 23 June 1956:

Neville,

I have found no supporting documentation to confirm the proposition that gold stars were presented or even commissioned. It is a theme that on the surface, appears to have been anecdotally relayed by Du Freyer whilst speaking to reporters covering the events or overheard or the story was syndicated amongst the various newspapers in which it appears.
From all accounts (and not wishing to speak ill of the dead) the best I could say is that on the surface, the Australian recipient does not appear to have been a humble man, and played on his award.
I have yet to find newspaper articles from the UK that would ad to the voracity of the Australian news reports.

Of course it may well be that the Duke did make the remark (but was speaking out of turn) with the idea quashed when put forward at the palace.

Regards

The Son had offered the scarf for sale to the Australian Government in the late '40's (from memory) and there are records at the AWM to confirm this. It was however donated some years later and is now on display there.

You will not that the badge affixed to the scarf is more for effect than anything. In the pic of Du Freyer wearing the scarf in uniform the scarf appears not to have the badge affixed.
The badge IMHO is a NSW Infantry Helmut plate and bears no resemblance to any badge worn by NSWMR.
And again, we see that it is called an award for valour, when clearly its award parameters were far greater.

Regards

Simon