Companion of the Order of the Bath, C.B. Military in Garrard case of issue; Companion of the Order of St Michael & St George C.M.G.; M.V.O. 4th Class numbered 529 on the reverse ; Egypt Medal clasp Suakin 1885 (LIEUT. J.F. ERSKINE. 2/SCOTS GDS.); Queens South Africa Medal clasps Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 & 1902 (MAJOR J.F. ERSKINE. Scots Gds.); 1914-15 Star (BRIG.GEN. J.F. ERSKINE. M.V.O.); British War Medal (BRIG.GEN. J.F. ERSKINE.); Victory Medal (BRIG.GEN. J.F. ERSKINE.); 1897 Jubilee Medal privately engraved (CAPT. J.F. ERSKINE.); Khedives Star 1884-86 - unnamed as awarded.
Brigadier General J. F. Erskine, C.B., C.M.G., M.V.O. (1862 - 1936) was a decorated army officer and son of Captain Sir Henry David Erskine of Cardross K.C.V.O., J.P. D.L. He was born on 4th June 1862, educated at Charterhouse and went on to have a long and distinguished military career, initially with the West Yorkshire Regiment and the Dorsetshire Regiment before joining the Scots Guards, where he saw service in Egypt. He was present during the engagements of Hasheen and Tomai. In South Africa during the Boer War he took part in operations in Transvaal and the Orange River Colony.
In the First World War he served in Gallipoli, commanding the South Scottish Infantry Brigade from mid-1915 and was present during attacks on the Turkish Trenches on 12th and 13th July. He went on to command the 26th Infantry Brigade and held Trenches at the extreme left of the British line at Helles and was present at the evacuation from Sulva when in command of the 34th Infantry Brigade. Finally, he was in command of the 33rd Infantry Brigade in the Defence of the Suez Canal.
Following his service in the Gallipoli campaign, he served in France again, commanding the 33rd Infantry Brigade and was present at the capture of trenches South East of Thiepval in September 1916. We was Mentioned in Despatches on three occasions and was awarded the C.M.G. (London Gazette February 1916) and C.B. (London Gazette June 1917).
Together with a fascinating collection of related ephemera to include 2nd Batt. Scots Guards Soudan Campaign 1885 diary, a fine portrait miniature on ivory of J. F. Erskine dated 1898 in fitted box, a typed account of his service during the First World War, detailed typed record of service, awards, commendations, press cuttings and photographs of the General throughout his illustrious career.
He died in Duns, Berwickshire, Scotland on 26 June 1936.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated.
