A Soldier's Medals

The medals and decorations of the late Sir John Cowans, Quartermaster General of the British Army during the war, were offered for sale by order of Sir John's executors, despite Lady Cowans' protest. The proceeds were to pay his debts.

The decorations, which include the United States Distinguished Service Medal, were placed in the hands of Spinks (Piccadilly medal dealers) for disposal. A man, who refused to divulge his name, bought the medals as an act of friendship and appreciation of Sir John's great services to the nation and returned them to Lady Cowans on condition that she bequeath them to the South Kensington Museum or the United Services Institution.