Hip flask belonging to Captain Ernest Howard Shepard MC, presented to him by 'C' Company 4th Battalion, Surrey Home Guard, 1944

Rectangular, silver flask with curve to fit hip; lower part of casing pulls off to make a cup; both pieces well hallmarked; small, circular, hinged stopper.

Shepard is best known as the illustrator of A A Milne's children book, 'Winnie-the-Pooh'. During World War One (1914-1918), he served with the Royal Artillery, where his artistic skills earned him a role as an observation officer, gathering intelligence. He was awarded the Military Cross in 1917.