Object Details

From:NHerts

Name/TitleMedal set of Reginald Henry Macaulay Abel Smith

About this objectA medal set for Reginald Henry Macaulay Abel Smith (1890-1964). 'Reggie' Abel Smith served with the Hertfordshire Yeomanry throughout the First World War, he was mentioned in the final Gallipoli despatch and was awarded the Military Cross for service in Palestine in June 1918.

Reggie served 1st/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry August 1914 – December 1915 (B Squadron – Egypt, Dardanelles); 3rd/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry January – December 1916; 2nd/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry January – July 1917 (Adjutant 31st January – 11th July 1917); and August 1917 – March 1919 (commanding A Squadron – Egypt, Palestine M.C.).

The medal set is made up of, from left to right: Military Cross (London Gazette 3rd June 1918) (Un-named Captain, A Squadron 1st/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry), 1914-15 Star (Un-named 2nd Lieutenant, 1st/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry), British War Medal (Captain, 1st/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry), Victory 1914-19 Medal, (Captain, 1st/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry), Defence Medal (Un-named, probably for service with B.R.C.S.)

In 2025 a family member passed on copies of some of Reggie's letters which he had sent to his sister Margaret Isabel Smith throughout the course of the war. These are a brilliant reflection of Reggie's personal thoughts and experiences in the war years helping to build out the story of the man behind the medals. The letters begin in late 1914 when Reggie was stationed in Egypt. Throughout his time in Egypt Reggie touches on some aspects of his daily life. Such as struggling with the Cairo heat during a particularly hot three days where the temperature stayed at 46 degrees Celsius. As well as his role in late 1914 in trying to secure food for the mess at the most economical prices.

Throughout the course of the letters Reggie discusses friends and acquaintances, both those in Egypt with the armed forces, but also others that he has heard about, they include those serving in the armed forces elsewhere and those back home in Hertfordshire. Some of this discussion relates to war deaths, for example a letter from 26 September 1915 Reggie talks about the death of 'Gurney', Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Gurney Sheppard. He details 'he was a good Colonel to us all, but a better friend. The Jack Johnson [howitzer shell] that killed him, came within a foot or two of my head, as its wind almost knocked me down'. Reggie keeps up to date with the latest marriages in his social circle, writing to his sister 'how grand about Sybil Grinston(?)! But i always put her down for Walter Gibbs [4th Baron Aldenham, 2nd Baron Hunsdon], which is rather sad. They would have done so well together'.

The letters show how Reggie is often thinking of home, especially during his first Christmas away, in 1914. He writes 'My dearest Mar, Thanks so much for the tie. It was nice of you to send it. When you write, do tell me about the shooting in the Park and Story (?) Hills (pheasants and partridges) or ask Mother to do so. Who has shot and what did they get? I believe you are shortly starting at Tredega(? ); I wonder how you will like it and I hope they will not work you too hard at first.'

Period20th Century (1901-2000)

Medium and MaterialsTextile | Ribbon
Defence Medal: Metal | Copper Alloy
British War Medal: Metal | Silver
Victory Medal: Metal | Bronze
1914-15 Star: Metal | Bronze
Military Cross: Metal | Silver

Inscription and MarksBritish War Medal, and Victory 1914-19 Medals have the name Capt. R. A. Smith inscribed into the bottom of their rims.

Measurements180 x 95 whilst together on medal bar

Named CollectionHitchin Museum - Hertfordshire Yeomanry Collection

Object TypeMedals

Object numberHYAHT/Med/24

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved