WW1 The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael & St. George (C.M.G.) attributed to Brigadier Percival Suther C.M.G. D.S.O. & 5 times mentioned in dispatches

Description

Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.) companions breast badge, in gilt and silver, with hand painted enamels, with gold swivel-suspension bar and ribbon buckle, on original ribbon with clips, as worn, near mint condition. Contained within R. and S. GARRARD, London, case of issue inscribed in faded pen under padding Brigadier P Suther CMB.DSO. CMG awarded 1st Jan 1918 while on active service France as a Lt Colonel & Augury of a better age.

Comes with copy M.I.C.’s, medal rolls, London Gazette entries, seniority list, census & newspaper articles.

C.M.G. London Gazette 2/1/1918

D.S.O. London Gazette 16/5/1916 D.S.O. citation: 71st Heavy Battery. R.G.A. For conspicuous good work on more than one occasion as forward liaison Officer with the Infantry. His observations were very valuable, and greatly aided the successful work of the Artillery. Ordre de Leoplold, Officer. London Gazette 30/7/1918.

Brigadier Percival Suther C.M.G. D.S.O. was born on the 5th November 1873 at Greenwich, Kent. His father was General Suther (Royal Marine Artillery). He was accepted as an Officer Cadet 20/3/1891 and received his commission on the 16/6/1893 as a 2nd Lieutenant with the Royal Garrison Artillery. Promoted to Lieutenant 16/6/1896, Captain 1/4/1900 & Major 15/4/1914. He landed in France 9/7/1915 and served there for the rest of the war. It is known that he served with the 65th Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (two 12-inch road howitzers) & the 17th Brigade R.G.A. & 71st Heavy Battery R.G.A. During his war service he was mentioned in despatches 5 times and received two Belgian decorations. He was promoted to temporary Lt. Colonel 19/8/1916 – 30/1/1917 whilst commanding a Heavy Artillery Group. In July 1917 in the Nieuport Coastal Sector, P. Suther D.S.O. assumed command of the XV Corps Heavy Artillery remaining in the Nieuport sector. Promoted to Lt. Colonel 1/3/1918. His C.M.G. was probably awarded for his work commanding the heavy artillery up to Corps level. Post war he served in a variety of rolls including Chief Instructor of gunnery at the School of Artillery. He retired 5/11/1930 on reaching compulsory retirement age and died 3/11/1945 at Salisbury.