The D.S.O. group of six awarded to Brigadier C. Hemsley, 64th Pioneers, Indian Army, who was further thrice mentioned during the Great War
Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar.
British War and Victory Medals named to: Maj. C. Hemsley, with M.I.D. oak leaves.
Defence Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937
Mounted as worn, together with two silver sports medals, cased separately, good very fine
D.S.O. London Gazette 26 August 1918.
Charles Hemsley was the son of Reverend C. Hemsley, a housemaster at Bedford Modern School, which the younger Hemsley attended from (1896-1902). He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 19 August 1903 and was advanced Lieutenant on 19 November 1905.
Further promoted Captain on 19 August 1912 he was serving as A.D.C. to the General Officer Commanding the 9th (Secunderabad) Division on 7 June 1913. He entered the war in Mesopotamia on 28 February 1916 with the 68th Pioneers in the rank of Major.
While serving there Hemsley was appointed to serve with the Staff and Headquarters and was 'mentioned' with them (London Gazette 15 August 1917). Still on the Staff he was 'mentioned' again in 1918 (London Gazette 27 August 1918 refers), just three days before the Gazette of his D.S.O.
Noted as joining a Special Appointment on 2 May 1919 he was 'mentioned' again around the same time (London Gazette 5 July 1919 refers). Hemsley was further appointed Commander of the Bombay District while serving with the 1st Madras Pioneers on 18 December 1922. Advanced to the rank of Brigadier before retiring in the rank of Colonel he settled at Rudgwick, West Sussex where he died in November 1961.
The Bedford Modern School magazine, The Eagle gave the following obituary for Hemsley, which states:
'Colonel C. Hemsley, D.S.O., (96-02). Charles Hemsley died on 23rd November. He will be remembered by generations of the older O.B.M.s for he was the son of the Rev. C Hemsley, who was a Mater at the School for 33 years and had a boarding House in Ashburham Road. Hemsley himself maintained contact with B.M.S. throughout his life and in recent years while living in London, he frequently presided at the London O.B.M Luncheon. At School he was in the 1st XV in 99-01 and was a member of the famous 1900 team which won all its 10 matches. He Captained the XV in 1901. He was also in the 1st XI in 1900-02. He served in the Indian Army for many years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. During the 1914-18 war he held the rank of Major and for a time acted as Brigade Major. He was Mentioned In Despatches and awarded the D.S.O.'
Product Code: EM4523
