1821 Pattern Royal Field Artillery Officers Sword Casualty

The 1821 Pattern Royal Field Artillery Officers Sword of Lieutenant Colonel C.T.S. Paul, DSO, Royal Field Artillery.

Courtenay Talbot Saint Paul was born in Clifton, Bristol in 1882, the son of Walter Stuckey Paul, an architect. He was Educated at Clifton College.  He was comissioned into The Devon Artillery Militia (Western Division) as a second Lieutenant on the 4th of April 1900. He was given the Tempoary rank of Captain when he was appointed Adjutant in the 2nd West Lancashire Brigade RFA on the 3rd of April 1910. He was promoted Major on the 3rd of June 1915.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order whilst serving with the 36th Battery, 33rd Brigade R.F.A. His citation reads:

"For Conspicuous Gallantry and Devotion to duty during operations near Laventie in July 1916. Both on the 16th and 18th of July, his battery and his observing station was subjected to very heavy shell fire during the wire cutting. His coolness and total disregard of danger gave complete confidence to the battery, and he accomplished his wire cutting with the greatest success. His thoroughness and devotion to duty have been most marked."

He was awarded a Mention in Despatches on the 4th of January 1917.

He was given the tempoary rank of Lt Colonel on the 28th July 1917, just two days before he was mortally wounded.  

He died on the 31st of July 1917, the opening day of the  Battle of Pilckem Ridge, aged 35. He is buried in "The Huts" cemetery, Belgium. This cemetery takes its name from a line of huts strung along the road from Dickebusch (now Dikkebus) to Brandhoek, which were used by field ambulances during the 1917 Allied offensive on this front. Nearly two-thirds of the burials are of gunners as many artillery positions existed nearby.

At the time of his death, he was serving  with 36th Battery Royal Field Artillery, part of the 45th Brigade. 

The serial number dates this sword to the first quarter of 1900.

This example has been service sharpened for field use.

Three bar 1821 pattern hilt, with chequered backpiece and stepped pommel. Traces of the original plated finish, but grubby and in need of a clean and polish. The grip bound with its original shagreen , and bound with silver twistwire binding. Some losses, but generally solid.

Produced by Wilkinson of London, the blade plated at time of manufacture. The etching features the Royal Artillery feathered lighting bolts, the words "Royal Artillery" a field gun, and crowned VR cypher. The blade has even patina and wear for its entire length, but is bright, and the etching legible. The original owners name "C.T.S. PAUL" etched within an attractive banner.

A substantial sword, with a blade length 34.75 inches, with signs of service sharpening,  but generally very good. No movement between blade and hilt.

Housed in its original Sam Browne field service scabbard, the reinforced drag with a small area of loss.

A good untouched sword, to a decorated great war casualty, with room for further research into his early career.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.