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Published on: 24th July 2026
Among the highlights of our forthcoming auction on the 30th July is lot 150, an exceptional and historically significant medal group awarded to Brigadier Hugh Vivian Combe, D.S.O., M.C., a highly decorated officer whose military career spanned both World Wars and culminated in service to the Crown as Additional Aide-de-Camp to King George VI.
Headed by the Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross, this impressive eleven-medal group also includes a Mention in Despatches, the Kingdom of Italy Bronze Medal for Military Valour, long service decorations, the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, original miniatures, ribbon bar, named storage boxes and extensive supporting research.
Commissioned into the 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, Combe-recorded as "Combs" on his wartime medals and London Gazette entries-first distinguished himself during the First World War. His Military Cross, gazetted in May 1916, recognised conspicuous gallantry while commanding a patrol under heavy enemy attack. Despite facing superior numbers and suffering casualties, he maintained control of his men and successfully withdrew, bringing his wounded back under intense fire.
His distinguished service continued throughout the war. Attached to the 23rd Machine Gun Battalion, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in the 1919 New Year Honours for military operations in Italy. His leadership was also recognised by the Kingdom of Italy, which awarded him the Bronze Medal for Military Valour-an uncommon foreign gallantry decoration bestowed upon British officers who served with distinction alongside Italian forces.
Unlike many First World War officers whose military service ended with the Armistice, Combe remained committed to the Territorial Army, rising through the ranks to senior command. In 1943 he was appointed Additional Aide-de-Camp to King George VI, a prestigious royal appointment reflecting both his experience and standing within the British Army. He was later granted the honorary rank of Brigadier, and his award of the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal reflects his continued ceremonial service into the post-war era.
Beyond the medals themselves, the group is enhanced by its remarkable provenance. Included are original named storage boxes, the recipient's miniature dress medals and ribbon bar, a British Red Cross Society War Service Medal, and comprehensive research, including copies of the London Gazette entries documenting his gallantry awards, foreign decoration, royal appointment and later honours.
For collectors, medal groups of this calibre are increasingly difficult to acquire. Combining a Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Mention in Despatches, foreign gallantry award and extensive documented provenance, this collection represents not only a rare opportunity to acquire an important piece of British military history, but also the story of an officer whose courage, leadership and lifelong service exemplify the very best traditions of the British Army.
This remarkable group will be offered in our forthcoming auction and is expected to attract considerable interest from collectors of gallantry medals, military historians and institutions alike. We look forward to presenting this outstanding tribute to a life of distinguished service.
Take a look at this lot and all others from our upcoming auction directly on EasyLive.
Published on: 24th July 2026