International epee tournament, Paris 1913, French (1913)

Title	International epee tournament, Paris 1913
Nationality	French
Period	1913

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This is the third prize (bronze - and stamped as such on the edge), won by the English team on 26 April 1913. The three men on the team were all killed by Christmas 1914. If ever there was a medal symbolising the end of an era, this is it. The Societe Militaire d'Escrime Pratique is one of the ancestors of the modern French Fencing Federation.

Captain John Gatacre, serving with the 4th Queens Own Hussars, was killed on 12 October 1914 in the operation on the Mont des Cats, a monastery. He was a serious swordsman, a gifted watercolour artist and one of India's best polo players. He was in Europe on leave from 11th King Edward's Own Lancers when war broke out and he promptly got himself attached to the 4th QO Hussars.

Lieutenant Jocelin Huntington, serving in the 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, was killed in France on 17 November 1914.

Lieutenant Graham Dunsterville, serving with the 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, was killed trying to rescue a wounded man at Festubert on 29 October 1914.

It is a cast bronze medal (4.5cm across x 5.5cm tall) with a heavy gilt finish, the details on the back being engraved. Its condition is excellent, with a little wear to the highlights, notably the knee and chest of the lady holding the wreath and some wear around the engraving on the reverse.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Medals : French : 20th Century]

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