Col. Edwards and Col. Borton.

[Majordecor]

Dear All,

Two soldiers were with the Expeditionary Force in Archangel, Russia during 1919/1920 along with my wife's late father, then a Captain.

Can you give me a Gazette link for citations for these two men....

Col. Borton had the VC. I think his initial was 'A'.

Col. Edwards had the DSO.

They, along with my wife's father, had to do with the various columns involved with the Pinega River Operation.

I have an original 'April Fool's' document issued in Archangel for 1 April 1919 which has the signature of Col. Borton. Do you think such a document has any value?

Best regards,

George Major.

[Stebie9173]

Col. Borton was Arthur Drummond Borton:

Medal card of Borton, Arthur Drommond

Corps Regiment No Rank

King's Royal Rifle Corps Second Lieutenant

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Lieutenant Conductor

22nd London Regiment Major

22nd London Regiment Lieutenant Colonel

London Gazette 18-12-1917

War Office,

18th December, 1917.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Man:—

Lt.-Col. Arthur Drummond Borton, D.S.O., Lond. R.

For most conspicuous bravery and leadership. Under most difficult conditions in darkness and in an unknown country, he deployed his battalion for attack, and at dawn led his attacking companies against a strongly held position.

When the leading waves were checked by a withering machine-gun fire, Lt.-C'ol. Borton showed an utter contempt of danger, and moved freely up and down his lines under heavy fire. Reorganising his command, he led his men forward, and captured the position.

At a later stage of the fight, he led a party of volunteers against a battery of field guns in action at point-blank range, capturing the guns and the detachments.

His fearless leadership' was an inspiring example to the whole Brigade.

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/archiveVi...;selHonourType=

The VC was won at Sheria, Palestine on 7th November 1917.

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/archiveVi...;selHonourType=

Steve.

[Majordecor]

Dear Steve,

My, you're good!

Thank you.

Where can I look for Col. Edwards' DSO citation and do you think Col. Borton's original signature on a document would be worth anything?

Best regards,

George Major.

[Majordecor]

Dear Steve,

Here's a copied and pasted typed version of the document I referred to.

Polkovnik is Borton!

From: HQ, Pinega Force PPQ 606

To: AQMG, GHQ, NREF. OSTROV.

The following application for “Hats – bowler – ex-officers and soldiers for the use of” – is submitted to you for approval by higher authority. If authorised, it is requested that free issue be made by DDOS.

1 April 1919.

Name Size Type Signature

Polkovnik. 10 (this is his own Cloth cap. (Check if available) or

estimate and must be as issued to Napoleon at Moscow.

accepted with reserve).

Spurious G. 5. Bowler. Low crown. Race course

or cavalry brim.

Discredited 8. Wide-brimmed Winston (in fawn

DAQMG. felt).

A deviant 15. Presumably dropsy Hat as supplied by London General

DADST. from overwork. Omnibus Co. to horses in hot weather.

(holes - ear, complete) in two-ply

straw.

All other various. As above - in common thatch.

RASC

officers

Would-be 12. Type unknown - special application

DADOS follows.

“Dis” 2. Collegiate - blue and white band.

Signals.

OC super- various Bonnets - fruitarian.

mobile

company

and his

officers.

OC water & 4. (But fitting may Hats - “rude”.

glycerine be necessary.)

mixers &

officers.

OC Tok. Assorted. Hats, Stove-pipe. Rustic pattern.

Emma’s

& officers.

OC Tok Emma's & officers (God knows what that means) is signed by my wife's late father, the holder of the MC and two bars, The Order of St. George (4th. Class) and Order of St. Anne (2nd. Class with crossed swords)