Beschreibung:

Order of the Bath, Military Companion class (CB) Badge, white enamelled Maltese cross with gold points and lions between each arm, center of the cross featuring three crowns, a rose, thistle, and shamrock surrounded with a red ring bearing the Order's motto, "Tria Juncta In Uno" (Three Joined in One) all within a green laurel wreath, with the Order's Military Division motto, "Ich Dien" - I Serve, in gold letters on a blue scroll, on a red ribbon, in original case gilt lettering to the top for C.B.Mily. makers stamp to the inside of the lid for 'Garrard & Co Ltd Goldsmiths, Jewellers to the King by Special Appointment to the crown', and a miniture dress medal of the The Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) military badge.
Complete with original documents including a 'Grant of the dignaty of a companion(military devision) of the order of the bath to Rear Admiral Stuart Nicholson' signed at the top by King George V and by Field Marshal Horatio Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener (1850 – 5 June 1916)
The Order of the Bath: A Historical Overview
Introduction - The Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a distinguished British order of chivalry, formally established by King George I on 18 May 1725 (Galloway, 2006). Its name derives from a medieval ceremonial tradition in which knights underwent a ritual bath, symbolising purification before being knighted (McCreery, 2008). Historically, such elaborate rituals were reserved for significant royal occasions, such as coronations and royal weddings (Anstis, 1725). Today, the Order serves as a means of honouring senior military officers and high-ranking civil servants who have demonstrated exceptional service to the Crown (Statutes of the Order, 1925). The Order comprises the Sovereign, a Great Master, and three classes of members: Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCB), Knight or Dame Commander (KCB/DCB), and Companion (CB) (Perkins, 2012). Members are appointed to either the Civil or Military Division, reflecting their area of contribution (Galloway, 2006).
History - The origins of the Order of the Bath trace back to medieval times when knighthood ceremonies involved a ritual bath as an act of spiritual purification (McCreery, 2008). These elaborate rites were typically associated with royal ceremonies, and those who participated in them were known as "Knights of the Bath" (Anstis, 1725). However, by the coronation of Charles II in 1661, the tradition had largely fallen into disuse (Galloway, 2006). Recognising the need for a structured system to reward distinguished service, King George I, on the advice of Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole, formally founded the Order in 1725 (Statutes of the Order, 1925). This decision not only revived medieval traditions but also provided a means of recognising service to the Crown in an organised manner (Perkins, 2012).
Foundation - When the Order was formally established in 1725, it was designed to reflect both tradition and contemporary political needs. The original structure included a Sovereign, a Great Master, and 36 Knights Companion, with no distinction between military and civilian members (Anstis, 1725). This framework was rooted in the principles of chivalry while also serving as a reward mechanism for loyal service to the monarchy (Galloway, 2006). Over time, as Britain’s military engagements expanded, the Order became increasingly associated with military achievements. In 1815, the Prince Regent (later George IV) restructured the Order, introducing three classes to allow for a larger number of recipients (Statutes of the Order, 1925). This change ensured that military officers, as well as key civil servants, could be honoured for their contributions (Perkins, 2012).
Victorian Era Reforms - During the reign of Queen Victoria, significant reforms were introduced to modernise the Order. In 1847, Queen Victoria issued new statutes that removed the word "Military" from the official name, enabling the inclusion of both military and civil appointments (McCreery, 2008). This restructuring led to the creation of distinct Military and Civil Divisions, making the Order more inclusive and reflective of service beyond the battlefield (Galloway, 2006). Additionally, the archaic rituals associated with the Order, such as the ceremonial bath, were abolished and replaced with formal investiture ceremonies conducted by the Sovereign (Statutes of the Order, 1925). These reforms modernised the Order, ensuring its continued relevance in a changing society (Perkins, 2012).
World War I Period - The early 20th century saw the Order of the Bath playing a crucial role in recognising military excellence, particularly during World War I. The vast scale of the conflict and the contributions of military personnel led to a significant increase in appointments to the Order’s Military Division (McCreery, 2008). In 1913, prior to the war, King George V reinstated the Installation ceremony, a tradition that had been dormant for decades (Statutes of the Order, 1925). This revival reflected the Order’s continued significance in acknowledging distinguished service during national crises (Galloway, 2006). As Britain navigated the challenges of global warfare, the Order remained a symbol of honour and recognition for military and civil contributions alike (Perkins, 2012).
References
Anstis, J. (1725) Register of the Order of the Bath. London: [Publisher].
Galloway, P. (2006) The Order of the Bath. London: Spink.
McCreery, C. (2008) The Crown and the Honourable Orders of Knighthood. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
Perkins, T. (2012) British Orders of Chivalry: Their Evolution and Role in Society. London: Boydell Press.
Statutes of the Order (1925) Official Records of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. London: HMSO.
Admiral Stuart Nicholson, CB, MVO (1865-1936), was a distinguished officer of the Royal Navy whose career spanned over four decades, characterized by significant contributions to naval operations and strategy. Born on October 11, 1865, Nicholson entered the Navy in July 1878, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to naval service.
Nicholson's early career was marked by participation in notable historical events, such as the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882, where he was awarded the Egypt Medal and the Khedive's Star. His exemplary performance in these early roles led to a rapid rise through the ranks, with a notable assignment as a torpedo specialist—a role that leveraged his technical expertise and strategic acumen.
One of the defining moments of his career came during the Benin Expedition of 1897. As part of this punitive expedition against the King of Benin, Nicholson was tasked with managing the water supply for the forces, a critical role that earned him a medal and a promotion to commander. This assignment underscored his ability to handle logistical challenges under pressure, further enhancing his reputation within naval circles.
Throughout his career, Nicholson held several key positions, including Assistant Director of Naval Intelligence and Chief of Staff to Admiral Sir Edmund Poë in the Mediterranean. His leadership skills were particularly evident during World War I, where he commanded the 6th Battle Squadron of the Home Fleet. His efforts during the war were recognized with the prestigious appointment as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order by King Edward VII in 1908, and later, the award of the Companion of the Bath (CB) in 1916 for his indefatigable service.
Upon retiring in 1920, Nicholson remained active, dedicating time to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and pursuing his hobby in photography, which also supported charitable causes.
Nicholson's life was not only marked by his naval career but also by his personal life, where he was a family man, married to Althea Badeley, and a father. His legacy in the Royal Navy is remembered for his strategic impact, leadership, and significant contributions to naval operations and intelligence. His collection of awards and medals serve as a testament to his distinguished service and commitment to his country.