£2,800
Jewellery, Silver & Watches | 544
Auction: 5 December 2018 at 10:00 GMT
O.B.E., D.S.O. and bar, 1914-18 war Medal, A.V.M. and laurel leaf, Special Constabulary medal, a framed miniature as a soldier in uniform, mentioned in despatches, two entries to London Gazette
1901-12 Warden was a member The Royal Scots' Volunteer and Territorial forces, at age 37 WWI started and he left his job as a partner with Hagard and Burn-Murdoch solicitors. He founded the Edinburgh Military Training Association and volunteered to re-join The Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) - he served as a Major and a second-in-command of the 16th Battalion also known as McCrae's Battalion.
McRae's battalion has a place in Scottish and Edinburgh history with connections to sporting as well as military history. Sir George McRae, was the inspiration behind what was formally known as the 17th Battalion, Middlesex Regt. The regiment was one of the many 'Pals Battalions' where groups of like-minded locals would join en mass. In this case it was the sporting fraternity that came to the fore; sixteen players from Heart of Midlothian along with over 500 supporters and ticket holders joined. This provided an impetus for other footballers from the central belt and supporters to also join up. It would be good to think Warden was also a supporter of Hearts and felt his past service and his loyalty to Edinburgh and Hearts were his inspiration in his late 30s.
London Gazette Supplement 5 July 1918
Lt-Col. Herbert Lawton Warden, E Surrey Regt. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of the advanced troops in an attack and maintained his headquarters in a forward position under heavy fire. He drove off three enemy counter attacks and handled his reserve with such skill as to be able to withdraw without loss. He then maintained a position where he was able to keep in touch with three companies of another battalion which were under his command. He showed splendid initiative and skill.
London Gazette Supplement 16 September 1918
Lt-Col. Herbert Lawton Warden, D.S.O., E Surrey Regt. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Throughout several days fighting this officer, in command of a battalion, by his personal example several times restored the situation. One morning early, when the enemy had broken through a village he was ordered to attack. As it did not get on fast enough, he went forward himself and cleared the village. For three days the enemy made continuous efforts to get by another village, but largely owing to his leadership and example they were all frustrated (D.S.O. Gazetted 4th February, 1918)