922F Posted April 13 Posted April 13 Carl Edward, appointed Colonel in Chief of the Seaforth Highlanders in 1905 through 1915, granted some officers of that Regiment various grades of his Saxe-Ernestine House Order. Most of these officers received private permission from the Palace to wear the insignia. For example, I know that officers were decorated in May/June 1907, identifying the decoration as the Order "de la Maison Ernestine". Efforts to search the London and Edinburgh Gazettes to verify such grants have yet to yield results. One correspondent advises that private permission wear authorization would not be recorded in a Gazette while others inform that it would be recorded there. Could anyone offer guidance on resolving official recording practices in 1907 and/or searching for this information? 1
Farkas Posted April 24 Posted April 24 Such an interesting story surrounding Carl Edward, well worth looking up. There was it seems only one grade given to foreigners and it was not freely awarded… Re your quest, I could only find this reference to permission to wear it, but it’s not available on line unfortunately I thought I’d found an interesting thread on GMIC for you but you are in it yourself, it was a while ago mind ! Cheers tony🍻 1
REdge Posted May 14 Posted May 14 (edited) I've just inherited family papers and photos relating to my great-grandfather, James HW Hay of the Seaforth Highlanders. There is a letter from Buckingham Palace granting permission to wear 'the Gold Medal of the Order of "La Maison Ernestine" presented to you by The Duke of Saxe Coburg & Gotha'. This is November 1910 when the Duke was Colonel-in-Chief of the Seaforth Highlanders, so fits with your information above. There's also a newspaper clipping (no date) from when he re-joined the regiment at the start of WWI which refers to his 4 medals 'one of which he will no longer wear, although it will be kept in the family as a curio. It is a gold medal presented to him (for meritorious service) by the honorary colonel of the regiment... a German prince, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha'. Sadly, I've no idea where his medals ended up, so only have a paper trail! Edited May 14 by REdge attach better quality image 1
Farkas Posted May 16 Posted May 16 (edited) On 14/05/2024 at 10:58, REdge said: I've just inherited family papers and photos relating to my great-grandfather, James HW Hay of the Seaforth Highlanders. There is a letter from Buckingham Palace granting permission to wear 'the Gold Medal of the Order of "La Maison Ernestine" presented to you by The Duke of Saxe Coburg & Gotha'. This is November 1910 when the Duke was Colonel-in-Chief of the Seaforth Highlanders, so fits with your information above. There's also a newspaper clipping (no date) from when he re-joined the regiment at the start of WWI which refers to his 4 medals 'one of which he will no longer wear, although it will be kept in the family as a curio. It is a gold medal presented to him (for meritorious service) by the honorary colonel of the regiment... a German prince, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha'. Sadly, I've no idea where his medals ended up, so only have a paper trail! That’s brilliant mate, a perfect piece of history, cheers tony ps I found this it mentions the Gordon highlanders Argyll & Sutherland (A&S) highlanders I thought maybe it’s him? 🤷♂️ pps just had another Google and maybe 👆 that’s not him but there are great mentions online, it’s good to see his memory is being kept alive 👍 tony🍻 Edited May 16 by Farkas Pps required
REdge Posted May 16 Posted May 16 Thanks Tony, You're right, that's not the same James Hay. This is his WWI Medals Roll Index Card. No mention of the La Maison Ernestine Medal of course! 1
922F Posted May 16 Author Posted May 16 Thank you both for your fascinating information! Have been traveling and just saw your replies. Will try Seaforth's Museum.
Farkas Posted May 17 Posted May 17 23 hours ago, 922F said: Thank you both for your fascinating information! Have been traveling and just saw your replies. Will try Seaforth's Museum. It was a great subject 922F… I knew nothing about ‘Carl Edwards’ and really enjoyed reading his story. However, REdge certainly delivered the goods, what were the odds of someone having that? and seeing your post… slim indeed. Keep us posted cheers tony 🍻 On 14/05/2024 at 10:58, REdge said: I've just inherited family papers and photos relating to my great-grandfather, James HW Hay of the Seaforth Highlanders. There is a letter from Buckingham Palace granting permission to wear 'the Gold Medal of the Order of "La Maison Ernestine" presented to you by The Duke of Saxe Coburg & Gotha'. This is November 1910 when the Duke was Colonel-in-Chief of the Seaforth Highlanders, so fits with your information above. There's also a newspaper clipping (no date) from when he re-joined the regiment at the start of WWI which refers to his 4 medals 'one of which he will no longer wear, although it will be kept in the family as a curio. It is a gold medal presented to him (for meritorious service) by the honorary colonel of the regiment... a German prince, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha'. Sadly, I've no idea where his medals ended up, so only have a paper trail!
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