Distinguished Service Order GVR; Queens South Africa Medal clasps Belmont, Modder River, Transvaal, Wittebergen (CAPT. A.G. MASTER. A.S.C.); Kings South Africa Medal clasps South Africa 1901 & 1902 (Capt. A.G. MASTER. A.S.C.); 1914 Star copy clasp 5th Aug to 22 Nov 1914 (LT.COL. A.G. MASTER. A.S.C.); British War Medal (LT.COL. A.G. MASTER.); Victory Medal with M.I.D. Oakleaf (LT.COL. A.G. MASTER.) - all silver medals have been gilded and the reverse of the clasp carriage on both Boer War medals has been removed (see images)
Arthur Gilbert Master was born at Kensington, London on 6 July 1867, the son of Charles and Emma Master of 27 Russell Road, Kensington. Educated at Clifton College he Matriculated to Exeter College, Oxford and from there to the Royal Military College Sandhurst.
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 4 March 1891 with The West India Regiment he appears on the 1891 census at Aldershot Headquarters. Advanced Lieutenant on 5 April 1893 Master was further seconded to the Army Service Corps on 1 January 1894, with which unit he served during the Anglo-Boer War.
Serving on Lord Methuen's Staff during the first attempt to relieve Kimberly he was present for the Battles of Belmont, Enslin, Modder River and Magersfontien. Whilst serving as a Captain, Master was taken prisoner of war at Spitzkop near Heilbron on 31 July 1900 alongside Major M W Bayley.
The Court Marshal report relating to the incident notes that he went out alone with the Major to a farmhouse which, unbeknownst to them, contained a number of Boers. They were fired upon and attempted to withdraw however one of their horses was shot and they were taken prisoner. Both men were released with Master returning to the British lines on 31 July 1900 - the official report stated that,
"With Major Bayley, New South Wales Staff, went out for a ride. Major Bayley leaving Captain Gilbert approached a farm, fired upon he retreated, Captain Gilbert's horse was wounded. Five Boers appeared and captured the two officers." At the subsequent enquiry Captain Gilbert was exonerated but Major Bayley was accused of neglect.
Seeing further action at Frederickstad from 17-25 October and Wittebergen from 1-29 July he was present for operations in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, serving until May 1902. After the war Master was advanced Major on 21 September 1904.
Still with the Army Service Corps on the outbreak of the Great War he entered the war in France on 16 August 1914. He earned his first 'mention' in 1914, likely for the retreat to the Marne and following advance to the Aisne (London Gazette 20 October 1914). Awarded the D.S.O. the following year Master followed this up with one final 'mention' in 1917 (London Gazette 24 December 1917). The D.S.O. was awarded per the London Gazette of 18 February 1915.
Retiring after the war on 6 May 1919 he settled at Fulford, York serving as an Air Raid Warden during the Second World War. Master died at Fulford Park, York on 11 March 1942, his obituary noted a number of connections to the local area including his efforts as an Archaeologist.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with research.
