A 1938 C.B., Great War C.M.G. group of eight awarded to Major-General G. A. D. Harvey, Royal Army Medical Corps, who had the misfortune to be taken Prisoner-of-War with the British Expeditionary Force in 1940, but was repatriated in 1943 aged 61. Harvey was one of three brothers who all earned caps as Irish Rugby internationals and all served in the Great War. The youngest brother, Frederick Harvey, won the Victoria Cross in 1918 whilst serving in Lord Strathcona's Horse.
For sale is a set of medals comprising: The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Military Division, Companion's (C.B.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, Companion's (C.M.G.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; British War and Victory Medals impressed named Lt. Col. G. A. D. Harvey. with M.I.D. oak leaves affixed to Victory ribbon; 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, all unnamed as issued mounted as worn. They come with two pictures, extensive research including copies of service record extracts, MIC, medal rolls, London Gazettes pictures.
C.B. London Gazette 9 June 1938.
C.M.G. London Gazette 4 June 1917.
M.I.D. London Gazette 27 July 1917.
Major General George Alfred Duncan Harvey C.B. C.M.G. was born on 27/10/1882 in Kentstown, County Meath, Ireland. Prior to qualifying he was educated at Portora Grammar School and later played rugby for Ireland five times as a centre between 1903-05, playing twice against England and Scotland and once against Wales. Harvey made his debut against England at Lansdowne Road on Valentine's Day 1903, when Ireland ran out 6-0 winners. His two brothers also earned Caps for the Ireland XV - one played in his debut - whilst his younger brother Frederick won the Victoria Cross in 1918.
Earning his L.R.C.P. at the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin in 1904, that same year Harvey undertook a course with the Royal Army Medical Corps School of Instruction. Commissioned Lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps on 30/7/1904 he was posted to the Straits Settlements for two years from 1905, and subsequently invalided. Advanced Captain on 30/1/1908 he was posted to Egypt and remained there until 1910.
Passing a final course the Royal Army Medical College in 1912 he was seconded to the Egyptian Army from 4/6/1914. On the outbreak of the Great War, he was still there and indeed he was to pass the first few months of the war there, returning to Britain.
Harvey remained on Home Service for much of the conflict, being promoted Major in 1915 and marrying Gwendel Rothera in September 1916. He finally entered the war with the17th Field Ambulance on 20/3/1918, just in time for the German Spring Offensive.
Transferred to the 132nd field ambulance as the O/C 5/7/1918 and promoted to Acting Lt Colonel. He survived the war with a Mention in Despatches for his work as the C/O. He survived the war unscathed and soldiered on in the War Office, India, Gibraltar etc.
Confirmed Lieutenant-Colonel on 22/10/1927 and posted to India in 1930, stationed at the British Military Hospital in Meerut. Appointed Brevet Colonel in 1931 he was advanced Colonel 1933, joining the Headquarters of the Waziristan District.
After a brief return to the U.K. in 1935 Harvey was back in India being promoted Major-General by October 1935 where he was Deputy Director of Medical Services, Western Command. He served there from 1935, being appointed an Honorary Physician to the King while there in March 1937. He left India in 1938 before retiring on 28/3/1939.
He relinquished his rank in April when he re-joined with the rank of Colonel with effect from 20/2/1940. He landed in France on 22/2/1940 with the BEF for duty as the A.D.M.S. No 4 Base Sub area. Taken a Prisoner of War at the fall of France at Boulogne on 24/5/1940.
He was fortunate to be repatriated during Wartime and landed home in October 1943, seeing further service at home with the HQ Supreme Allied Command in the Civil Affairs Division. The General reverted to Retired pay on 12/5/1944 and died in 1957.
