| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/08958.001 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Enamel, Silver gilt |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Legacies: Return to Civilian Life/Anzac Day |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Distinguished Service Order : Lieutenant Colonel O G Howell-Price, 3 Battalion, AIF
Description
Distinguished Service Order. Unnamed as issued.
History / Summary
Distinguished Service Order awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Owen Glendower Howell-Price. Born on 23 February 1890 at Kiama, he served in the citizen forces and was commissioned second lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, AIF on 27 August 1914. He and his five brothers served during the First World War, with all – except David Clayton Winchcombe Howell-Price – serving overseas with distinction.
He embarked for Egypt from Sydney in October, arriving there in December. During this time he was appointed assistant adjutant, promoted when the adjutant was killed on the first day of the Gallipoli landing. He was again promoted on 4 August 1915 to captain.
He served with distinction during the battle of Lone Pine, when he won the Military Cross and was mentioned in despatches. On 5 September he was promoted temporary major and assumed temporary command of the battalion. He was wounded on 9 September but remained on duty. He was later confirmed in rank of 1 December.
Howell-Price arrived with the 3rd Battalion in France on 28 March 1916 and was later promoted lieutenant colonel on 12 May. The battalion fought in the battles at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm and for his leadership and courage he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and again mentioned in Despatches.
The citation for his DSO reads:
'Lieut-Col. Howell-Price has commanded the 3rd Battalion since February 1916. In France, both at Sailly and in the Ypres Salient his work as a Battalion Commander has been marked by coolness and gallantry.
He ably commanded his Battalion during the operations at Pozieres (July 19th 1916) when attacking the 3rd and 4th objectives there.'
However, on 3 November 1916, in action near Flers, he was shot in the head and died the following day. His last words were ‘Give my love to the battalion’. He was buried at Ancre-side Wood. The respect he held was evident when a commemorative service held at Flesselles was attended by the whole unit.