[ MC ]
DCM VR (3513 LSGT A COLLIER 18TH HUSSARS)
[ QSA (3) Talana Tr OFS ]
[ KSA (2) ]
[ 1914 Star trio ]
[ LS&GC]
Arthur was born at Astbury in 1869 and was a labour when he joined up. He joined the 14th Hussars from Nov 1887 till Oct 1889 and then transferred to the 18th Hussars. Until Nov 1889 he was based in the UK. He was then sent to India until Oct 1898. He then sent to South Africa till Oct 1902. It was at this battle that he was captured on 20th Oct 1889 and made a prisoner of war but released or escaped on 24th Oct 1889. The action for this was Turning now to our cavalry, the 18th Hussars received orders at 5.40 am to get round the enemy's right flank and be ready to cut off his retreat. They were accompanied by a portion of the Mounted Infantry and a machine-gun. Making a wide turning movement, they gained the eastern side of Talana Hill. Here Lieutenant Colonel Moller halted with one squadron 18th Hussars, the machine-gun, and Mounted Infantry, sending his two other squadrons farther to the east. These two latter squadrons took part in the pursuit of the enemy, who retreated eastward; but Lieutenant Colonel Moller and the troops with him appear, so far as can be ascertained, to have pursued in a northerly direction, to have come in contact with superior forces not previously engaged, and to have been surrounded and forced to surrender while endeavouring to return to camp round the north of Impati Mountain. The Times historian states that Colonel Moller arrived at a strong defensible position from which he could have stampeded the whole of the Boers ponies and commanded their line of retreat; that Major Knox begged to be allowed to fire on the ponies, but instead was ordered to advance with two squadrons right in rear of the Boer position. This and the rest of Colonel Mollers proceedings are inexplicable. After exhibiting great rashness he seems to have become unnerved. Knox with difficulty got back with his two squadrons. The others were taken prisoners. In his evidence before the court of inquiry Colonel Moller gave his reasons for taking the road he did, but Captain Lonsdale of the 2nd Dublin Fusiliers Mounted Infantry stated that he had informed the colonel he was taking the wrong road. The officers and men were exonerated, but Lord Roberts did not allow Colonel Moller to rejoin his regiment.In the London Gazette 19th April 1901 he was awarded the DCM for gallant conduct in South Africa. He arrived home Nov 1902 and was awarded a LS&GC medal in 1907 by now a Staff Sgt Major. In 1908 he was made Sgt Instructor.When WW1 started he was attached to the 1st/1st Queens Own Oxford Hussars and was sent to France on 20th Sept 1914 and became the first territorial unit to land and see action.He was awarded a Bar to his DCM in the London Gazette 14th Jan 1916 For conspicuous gallantry and devotion - he brought in six wounded men from the front trenches under a heavy fire, the men having been left out from the previous days engagement. He has invariably shown great bravery and coolness under fire, and set a fine example to all ranks. Subsequently this bar to his DCM is cancelled in the London Gazette 17th April 1917 and replaced by the Military Cross.The Regimental History shows that in October 1914 when the regt was at St Omer A.Collier was SSM (Squadron Sergt Major) of C Squadron (Henley -on-Thames). In February 1916 he was appointed RSM when the previous RSM (Pearce) went back to England due to ill-health. On 20th November 1916 Mr Collier, the RSM, had to go to hospital in England. He had almost completely lost his voice, and although he seemed quite confident that he would get right and come out again, he died of consumption in June 1917. He is buried in Henley-on-Thames cemetery.During the first 18 months of the war he [Collier] had been a pillar of strength to C squadron, and a constant help and support, first to Major Nicholl, and then to Major Val Fleming [brother to Ian Fleming - James Bond] his squadron leaders, who always thought very highly of him. His promotion to be RSM in February 1916, at the same time as Major Fleming became Second-in-Command of the Regiment, was a serious loss to his old squadron, but he never forgot his old friends there and always took a special interest in their welfare and efficiency. The perpetual office work at Headquarters was not much to his taste; his greatest wish was for real cavalry fighting and a chance to use his sword, failing which, he was happiest in the front trenches. If perhaps he seemed rather stern and grim to those who did not know him well, especially to young officers and men, he was always popular with the sergeants and respected by the senior officers. He was a fine soldier and a brave man.
Price: £2,500
Last seen 8 years ago with the same dealer, Charlie's Medals, when the price was £3,500.
