Major General Alexander medal group to make up to $24,000?

A group of 11 medals awarded to Major General Sir James Edward Alexander are to auction at Bonhams on November 12 with a valuation of £10,000-15,000 ($15,901-23,852).

Alexander's long and distinguished military career took him as far afield as Persia and South Africa. He rose quickly through the ranks, ascending to the post of major in 1846.

medal Alexander Bonhams
Major General Alexander was a well known figure in Victorian society

Among the medals are a Knight of Justice breast star and an Italian Al Valore Militare.

In addition to his role in the army, Alexander is known as an explorer who helped in the mapping of South Africa and Namibia.

He was also the chiefly responsible for the installation of Cleopatra's Needle on the banks of the Thames in London.

A collection of medals awarded to Major General BH Chappel, who commanded the west brigade during the Battle of Crete (May 20, 1941-June 1, 1941), carry an identical estimate of £10,000-15,000 ($15,901-23,852).

He managed to hold the strategically important Barkhasan position until Allied forces could be evacuated from the island, a feat for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

He received another bar for a similar feat in Libya in 1942.

You can check out our fascinating militaria range here.

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