First World War Distinguished Conduct Medal to 59th Australian Infantryman

Australian Officer Gallantry, later casualty, Distinguished Conduct, GV,

2059 SJT A. PARR 59/AUST:INF:

The later 2nd Lieutenant Alfred John Parr, 59th Battalion Australian Imperial Force, awarded D.C.M. for actions in Villers Bretonneux, East of Amiens, 24th/25th April 1918;

Parr was wounded on 18th July 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula, re-joining the regiment on the 11th September; he was promoted Lance Corporal 4th December 1915 (11th December on other documents), Corporal 15th October 1916, Sergeant on 6th December 1916, Temporary Colour Sergeant Major (W.O. CL2) 1st May 1918 and 2nd Lieutenant 18th September 1918;

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for actions of the 24th/25th April 1918. Gazetted 3rd September 1918 2059 Sjt. A. J. Parr, Infy.

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During our attack the services rendered by this N.C.O. were most valuable; he kept his platoon well in hand, and afforded every information to his company officer as to the needs of the situation. He led an attack on and captured an enemy machine-gun that was causing casualties, and near the final objective, with a bombing party, he captured another machine-gun and two officers and fifty men. He showed great courage throughout and set a fine example to his men. “

He died – 1st October 1918 aged 24 years of wounds received in the preceding days.

Alfred Parr, a Methodist, was born in Beeston, Nottinghamshire in 1894,. 1901 Census Parr was living aged 7, 19 Ratcliff Road, Loughborough, with his mother and stepfather, he attended Emanuel Boys School Loughborough; by 1911 Census they had moved to 72 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough where he is described as a ‘foundry worker’.

He emigrated to Australia shortly before the outbreak of war. He enlisted, in Australia, voluntarily, aged 21, as 2059 Private 59th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force on March 3rd 1915, giving his occupation as farmer, His mother, Mrs Elizabeth A. Newbon , who had remarried, was named as next of kin.

Alfred John Parr
Born – 1898, a twin.
Son of Mrs Elizabeth A. Newbon of 72 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, England.
1901 – Living in Loughborough.
1911 Census – Foundry Worker in Beeston, Nottinghamshire.

Here follows a very brief summary of his service. There are many notes and service papers on the superb Australian War Archives.

3rd March 1915 Enlisted. Having enlisted he embarked from Melbourne on HMAT A20 Hororata on the 7th April 1915. He transferred to the 59th Battalion, Australian Infantry. He joined them on the 8th June 1915 and joined D Company.

18th July 1915 he disembarked the Gascon at Malta and was admitted to Military Hospital, Malta 18th July 1915.
23rd August 1915 he was admitted to Australian Overseas Base Mustapha. He then transferred from Military Hospital, Tigne to St. Andrews.
20th August 1915 he embarked for Egypt on the Southland from Malta. 10 days later,
30th August 1915 he embarked on the Karoo for the Dardanelles.
3rd August 1915 – admitted to All Saint’s Camp.
18th August 1915 – transferred to Riscasoli, Shrapnel Wound , Knee
22nd August 1915 Trans to St. Lawrence Convalescent Camp ex St David’s Malta – Shrapnel Wound Right Knee.
25th August 1915 disembarked at Alexandria off the Southland at Malta.
4th December 1915 – appointed Lance Corporal.
Spent time with 15th Brigade Grenade School, taken on strength

15th October 1916 – Promoted to Corporal vice – O’Shea wounded.
During 1916 and 1917 he spent time at Hurdcott, Aldershot and PTBF Corse, Tidworth.
6th December 1916 – Promoted to Sergeant.
15th April 1918 – Promoted Temporary Company Sergeant Major (W.O. Class II) vice. CSM Stephens killed in action.
3rd September 1918 – His DCM Citation appears in the Supplement, page 10373.
24th September 1918 – Promoted to Second Lieutenant.

18th September 1918:
The Unit War Diary confirms his promotion to commissioned rank.

29th September 1918:
An extract from the Unit War Diary reads “2 Lt Parr, who had pushed out to the left flank to small trench leading to foot of the slope, sent a message to say he was engaging the Germans, who were in the same trench with rifle grenades, also he was being fired on from unknown position with pineapples…..” It is probable that he was fatally wounded in this action.

Second-LieutenantAustralian Roll of Honour names him on Panel 168 on the Australian War Memorial. His place of association in Australia was Lelang, Victoria, Australia.

His grave, at , Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gouy. (CWGC). was to be marked – “Cherished Memories of one loved so dear.” His mother still noted at 72 Pinfold, Loughborough.

His Distinguished Conduct Medal was leant to the Loughborough War Memorial Museum by a descendant in 1992 and was taken back by the same member of the family on March 21st 2014.

Copy docs are available supporting this. It was up for auction by withdrawn by the same member of the family who sold it directly to the current owner.

2nd Lieutenant Parr died aged 24, 1st October 1918 of wounds received on the 29th September 1918, his name appears on the Loughborough Roll of Honour.

This medal is for sale – please contact us here or visit medals4heroes.co.uk

Battle of The Mareth Line, Tunisia, Military Medal Group, March 1943.

Battle of The Mareth Line, Tunisia, Military Medal Group, March 1943.

 

880539 A. BMBR.  A. M.  LOVEGROVE  R. A.

 

This group of 5 consists of:

Military Medal, 1939 / 45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal

 

London Gazette – 25^th November 1943.

Gazette Info:     http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36261/pages/5174

Gazette Date:    25/11/1943

Gazette Page:   5174

Duty Location:   Middle East (including Egypt, East Africa, Western Desert, Sudan, Greece, Crete, Syria & Tobruk)

 

The citation for Albert Malcolm Lovegrove is as follows:

 

5^th HQ Army Division, 10 Corps 

He was an RA Signalller attached to Signal Section 121 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.

 The recommending officer is E.B. Thornhill. Lt. Colonel Royal Artillery Commanding 121 Field Regiment. Royal Artillery.

 

This NCO is in charge of the line detachment of the Signal Section attached 121 Field Regiment, RA, and has carried out his duties in a manner beyond praise.

On 22^nd March 1943 when in action in front of the MARETH LINE, the Regimental area came under heavy shell fire and all line communications, both internal and external, were cut. Bdr LOVEGROVE immediately organised repairs, and by his example inspired his detachment, with the result that communications were quickly restored.

His action was exactly similar under similar conditions WEST of DJ FADELOUN on 7^th May 1943 and again NORTH of ENFIDAVILLE on 10^th May 43. In the latter case, the lines were repeatedly cut, but Bdr LOVEGROVE never failed to organise their restoration in the shortest possible time.

On all these occasions his disregard of personal danger and cheerful behaviour was an inspiration to his detachment and by his action the Regiment was enabled to engage in all the fire tasks asked of it.

 

 Location of service.

The Mareth Line was a system of fortifications built by the French between the towns of Medenine and Gabès in southern Tunisia, prior to World War II. It was designed to defend against attacks from the Italians in Libya, but following the Fall of France and Operation Torch it fell into Axis hands and was used by the Italians and Germans to defend against the British instead.

 

Battle of The Mareth Line, Tunisia.

On 19 March 1943, Eighth Army launched its assault on the line, Operation Pugilist. The 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division of British XXX Corps successfully managed to penetrate the line near Zarat, but their pocket was destroyed by a counterattack from the 15th Panzer Division on 22 March.

Earlier reconnaissance by the Long Range Desert Group had confirmed that the Line could be outflanked. This would enable a force to enter the Tebaga Gap from its western end and reappear on the coastal plain behind the Mareth Line – the “left hook”. Montgomery, therefore, sent Lieutenant-General Bernard Freyberg’s reinforced New Zealand 2nd Division – now the New Zealand Corps – through the Matmâta hills. This attack was stalled by determined defence.

Although the attacks by XXX Corps and the New Zealand Corps had been repulsed, allied forces were redistributed with 1st Armoured Division of British X Corps sent to reinforce the Tebaga Gap. Brian Horrocks, commander of X Corps, was placed in charge of operations at the Tebaga Gap and a renewed attack, Operation Supercharge II, began on 26 March. This “left hook” broke through the Tebaga Gap on 27 March and, combined with a fresh frontal assault, the Line was rendered untenable. However, Messe’s forces were able to escape encirclement when the 1st Armoured Division was held up at El Hamma. The Axis forces retreated to a line at Akarit, 60 kilometres (37 mi) to the north. (wikipedia).

 

The below map shows the Battle of The Mareth Line and The Pursuit to Enfidaville.

 

 

London Gazette Entry.

No. 880539 Gunner (acting Bombardier) Albert

Malcolm Lovegrove, Royal Regiment of Artillery

(Cannock, Staffs).

 

Albert Malcolm Lovegrove

Birth 1918 in HAWKES GREEN, CANNOCK, Staffordshire.

Son of Mr Albert Lovegrove and Mrs Elizabeth Ethel Lovegrove (nee Elizabeth Ethel Hopkins).

Attested in the Royal Artillery 1938 and transferred ro the Royal Corps of Signals 14^th September 1943.

Death 1974 in Cannock, Staffordshire, England, aged 56 years.

 

On sale 2015.

 

http://www.medals4heroes.co.uk

Alfred Ashurst Morris 1st Grenadier Guards Killed in Action 27th September 1918.

We have recently acquired the framed medals and Memorial Plaque to this casualty of the First World War.

 

Alfred Ashurst Morris
1st Grenadier Guards
Killed in Action 27th September 1918.

 

 

Alfred Ashurst Morris was born 13th September 1895 in Stanstead, Essex, registered at Bishop Stortford. Son of Captain Alfred Morris, late 20th Hussars, and Kathleen Mary Eleanor Herbert. The couple can be referenced in Burke’s Peerage.
The 1901 Census has them living in Stanhope Place, London, with a total of 9 servants.
His application for entry into the Royal Military Academy shows that he was educated at Radley College and came through the Radley Officer Training Corps. His home address is given as Langton, Blandford, Dorset.
We have a copy of Form MT360 which is a Declaration signed by him confirming his fitness to serve.
His Medal Index Card shows him serving as a Lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers then the Grenadier Guards. His Mother residing c/o W H Adams Esquire, 17th Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2. This document confirms that the 1914 / 15 Star is named to him in the Royal Fusiliers and the British War Medal and Victory Medal in the Guards . These 2 medals just state, as normal, his Rank and Name.
He entered France 12h March 1915.
He was wounded whilst in the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. There are 3 pages of extracts from the War Diary detailing the action at Hooge. Description of the fighting tells us of the action and the leadership of Captain de la Perelle and Major Hely-Hutchison who was later badly wounded.
An extract gives a flavour of the diary – “….casualties were appalling. The Adjutant Captain G Thomas-O’Donel was killed with his orderlies and operators by a high explosive shell. The heavy shelling that the germans were subjected to had a most demoralising effect on them. Our men acted splendidly, ther eagerness cost them a number of casualties – L/Cpl Fitter’s M (achine) G(un) stuck to his gun all through the day though wounded. The MG Sgt Jones also did a job throughout the day till sent to the dressing station later to have his wounds dressed, he was wounded early in the day, we lost fifiteen officers…..”. It is worth noting that Adjutant Captain George Thomas-O’Donel was twice M I D and was awarded the Military Cross.
Alfred was wounded at Hooge on the 16th June. Shrapnel hit him in 3 places – 1) His left Cheek 2) Through left knee and 3) Just below left hip.. He left France on the H S St David at Boulogne on the 18th June 1915 (Form AG4a). He later wrote a letter in July 1915 asking for compensation. He was granted one month’s sick leave. His address is given as Langton, Blandford, Dorset.
There is a summary document (Army Form A45a) from the RAMC confirming his wounds. His incapacity is expected to be 2 months.
By 13th January 1917 he was serving in 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards. He returned home on leave. He had been in bed since 20th January with a severe attack of jaundice. We also have a copy of a letter sent by him, from 61 Eaton Square, to the Secretary, War Office. This letter details his jaundice illness.
Later on, there is a copy of the telegram to Morris at 43 Grosvenor Street, London informing the family of his being killed in action “The Army Council express sympathy”.
There is a copy of the Field Service Report on the Death of an Officer. This, obviously, confirms the death of Lieut A. A. Morris, 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards. We also have an Extract from Probate of Will. This is dated 11th February 1919. The value his estate as £809.00 and states that the Medals be sent to his mother.
There is also a letter to Captain A Morris of 43 Grosvenor Street, W1, London. This confirms that Lieutenant A A Morris is buried at Sanders Keep Military Cemetery, Graincourt-les-Havrincourt, south west of Cambrai.

Victoria Cross to the 1st Grenadier Guards.
On the day that Alfred was killed a Victoria Cross was won by John Standish Surtees Prendergast Vereker, 1st Grenadier Guards.
A VC won on that day 27th September 1918 was awarded on 27 November 1918 to a man who became Field Marshal John Standish Surtees Prendergast Vereker, 6th Viscount Gort. Gort was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, for his actions on 27 September 1918 at the Battle of the Canal du Nord, near Flesquieres, France.
Victoria Cross citation
Captain (Brevet Major, Acting Lieutenant-Colonel), 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards
Citation: For most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading and devotion to duty during the attack of the Guards Division on 27th September 1918, across the Canal du Nord, near Flesquieres, when in command of the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, the leading battalion of the 3rd Guards Brigade. Under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire he led his battalion with great skill and determination to the “forming-up” ground, where very severe fire from artillery and machine guns was again encountered. Although wounded, he quickly grasped the situation, directed a platoon to proceed down a sunken road to make a flanking attack, and, under terrific fire, went across open ground to obtain the assistance of a Tank, which he personally led and directed to the best possible advantage. While thus fearlessly exposing himself, he was again severely wounded by a shell. Notwithstanding considerable loss of blood, after lying on a stretcher for awhile, he insisted on getting up and personally directing the further attack. By his magnificent example of devotion to duty and utter disregard of personal safety all ranks were inspired to exert themselves to the utmost, and the attack resulted in the capture of over 200 prisoners, two batteries of field guns and numerous machine guns. Lt.-Col. Viscount Gort then proceeded to organise the defence of the captured position until he collapsed; even then he refused to leave the field until he had seen the “success signal” go up on the final objective. The successful advance of the battalion was mainly due to the valour, devotion and leadership of this very gallant officer.
Subsequent to this he became known as “Tiger” Gort.[16] He won a second bar to his DSO in January 1919.[17] He was also mentioned in despatches eight times during the War.[9]

Sanders Keep Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France
Extract from the superb Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.
Sanders Keep” was a German fortification 2 kilometres South-West of the village, between the Hermies and Havrincourt roads. It was stormed by the Scots Guards on the 27th September 1918, and after the fight the British and German dead were buried on the battlefield by the Guards Division Burial Officer.
Location Information
Graincourt-les-Havrincourt is a village 10 kilometres south west of Cambrai.
The Cemetery is signposted at the intersection of the main road from Bapaume to Cambrai (N30) and the Marquion Havrincourt road (D15). 2 kilometres south of the N30 on the D15 towards Havrincourt the Cemetery is signposted to the left where it can be found at the end of a single track leading towards Graincourt.

There are now nearly 150, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified. The cemetery covers an area of 755 square metres and is enclosed by a stone rubble wall.
Casualty records show the following statistics.
Total Casualties – 135
Date of death 27th September 1918 – 128
Grenadiers died on this day – 31 comprising 1 Captain, 1 x Lt (Alfred Ashurst Morris), 1 x 2nd Lt, 2 x Lance Sjts, 2 x Lance Corporals, 24 x Privates. Of these there were 24 from the 1st Battalion and 7 from the 2nd Battalion.
Lieutenant Morris’ address is given as Cadogan Square, London.

VC Winner
Also died on this day and is buried here in this Cemetery is Thomas Norman Jackson VC (11 February 1897 – 27 September 1918). He was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Born 11 February 1897 to Thomas Edwin and Emma Jackson, of Swinton, Rotherham.
He was 21 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, British Army during the First World War when he performed an act of bravery at the battle of the Canal du Nord for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. 20810 Lance Corporal Thomas Norman JACKSON, 1st Bn Coldstream Guards

For most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice in the attack across the Canal du Nord, near Graincourt.

On the morning of 27 September 1918, Lance-Corporal Jackson was the first to volunteer to follow Captain C.H. Frisby across the Canal du Nord in his rush against an enemy machine-gun post. With two comrades he followed his officer across the canal, rushed the post, capturing two machine-guns, and so enabled the companies to advance. Later in the morning, Lance Corporal Jackson was the first to jump into a German trench which his platoon had to clear, and after doing further excellent work was unfortunately killed.

Throughout the day this NCO showed the greatest valour and devotion to duty, and set an inspiring example to all.
—London Gazette, 27 November 1918
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Coldstream Guards Regimental Headquarters, Wellington Barracks, London.

Captain Cyril Hubert Frisby VC, Coldstream Guards, as mentioned above, also won his VC on this day, with Lance-Corporal Jackson.

On this day, 27th September 1918 at this battle the following Victoria Crosses were also won.
Graham Thomson Lyall VC 102nd (North British Columbia) Battalion . C E F
Samuel Lewis Honey, VC DCM MM 78th (Winnipeg) Battalion, C E F.
George Fraser Kerr VC, MC & Bar, MM 3rd (Toronto) Battalion, C E F
Thomas Patrick Neely VC MM The King’s Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)

In total there were 7 VCs awarded at the Battle of Canal du Nord on this day 27th September 1918.

 

We also have another Gallantry Group to the Grenadier Guards.

Lt Col Hugh Bertram Godfrey Morgan MC

2^nd Batt Grenadier Guards

MC engraved St. Leger – August 27^th 1918, Lieut H.B.G. Morgan. On both BWM & VM. 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal & War Medal.

Born 15^th October 1881.

Entered France August 1917

Lt Col Hugh Bertram, Godfrey Morgan MC was a member of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during WW2

19^th September 1940 war sub. Lt (temp Capt) HBG Morgan

(99152), from RE (Transportation), to be War Sub s LT (temp Capt)18^th Sept 1940

29^th December 1944 London Gazzett War sub Maj H.B.G. Morgan M.C.(99152) is granted the Hon rank of Lt Col, 26^th Dec. 1044 on ceasing of employment.

MC awarded for action at St Leger on 8^th –11^th September 1917.

Listed supplement to London Gazette 11^th January 1919

 For conspicuous gallantry in an attack.

 He led his right support company with great dash, reached a forward point and maintained touch throughout with the right division. During this advance which was much hampered by intense machine-gun fire from their left rear, his company captured about 180 of the enemy, including a battalion commander. After reaching this point some 2000 yards in advance of the rest of the battalion he consolidated his position and that night took up a line covering the right flank of the battalion. He showed fine courage and leadership.

Entry in Grenadier Guards 1914-18

On September 8^th the Battalion took over the front trenches immediately to the left of the Staden Railway, where the line was held by a series of posts running across the Broembeek. This was a very unpleasant line to occupy, as it was wet and marshy, and the enemy was able practically to overlook the trenches. Captain Walker MC commanded the Battalion, while Major Rasch temporally took command of the Brigade. During the three days in the line 6 men were killed and 32 wounded. Second Lieutenant H.B.G. Morgan and three other ranks were slightly wounded but remained on duty.

Lot includes:

MIC

L.G entry Supplement 11^th January 1919

HS Records of Special Operations Executive – HS 9/1060/06 Hugh Bertram Godfrey Morgan.

L.G. entry Supplement 19^th September 1940

 

Both these groups are for sale and can be found at medals4heroes.com

Or, please do not hesitate to contact us here.

 

 

Family Medal Group with medals to an Uncle and his Nephew from Aberaman, Aberdare, South Wales.

We are extremely pleased to have the below family medals from a South Wales family.

We have –

World War One Medal Trio and Memorial Plaque and Memorial Scroll to a Royal Welsh Fusilier.

Medals named to:

19782 Pte  A. VATER   R. W. FUS.

Memorial Plaque named to:

Albert Vater

Memorial Scroll named to:

L/Cpl. Albert Vater.  Royal Welsh Fusiliers

 

Albert Vater served in 9^th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He died 29^th September 1917 aged 23 years.

He was the son of Charles and Margaret Vater of 142 Cardiff Road, Aberaman, Aberdare, South Wales.

We also have some postcards sent home by Albert and a letter sent home by Albert to his mother. This is a deeply personal and religious letter. It movingly talks of his being prepared to meet his God in 2 pages of powerful writing.

 

We also have the World War 2 medals of his nephew, William Charles Vater, see below.

William Charles Vater was the Nephew of Albert, here is the connection.

Albert had a brother Alexander born 1885 died Merthyr Tydfil age 60 1955.

A 1911 census shows an Alec and Albert parents Charles and Margaret.

A 1901 census shows Alexandra parents Charles and Margaret Albert must have been out.

Both Merthyr Tydfil

Alexandra married 2 1/4 1916 Elizabeth A Finn William Charles born Merthyr Tydfil 3rd April 1917 Mum Finn maiden name also shows as La Vater.

 

Albert’s Medals and Plaque.

 1) Commonwealth War Graves Commission certificate. 

He is Remembered with Honour at Spoilbank Cemetery. Spoilbank Cemetery is in Belgium and is also known as Chester Farm Lower Cemetery and Gordon Terrace Cemetery. There are, here, 520 burials of which only 395 are identified.

 

The memorial scroll is present which is rare.

This is the deeply moving letter from Albert to his mother.

This lot comes with some extremely personal ephemera.

We still have the boxes for the medals, envelope for the plaque and condolence slips from Buckingham Palace

We have 3 small folding cards commemoration the death of Albert.

Condolence Slip from Buckingham Palace which would had been sent with the Memorial Scroll. 

The envelope for the Memorial Plaque.

Condolence slip from Buckingham Palace which would have accompanied the Plaque. Silk postcards from Albert.

 

 

 

 

 

William Charles Vater has the following World War 2 medals;

1939/45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal and War Medal.

He also has the Oakleaf on the War Medal indication a Mention in Despatches.

 

 

Also with these medals is a framed Letter to William Charles which is signed by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery.

This letter is on headed 21^st Army Group paper to – 7374416 L/Cpl W C Vater.  R.A.M.C.  (Royal Army Medical Corps).  Dated 15^th December 1944 it expresses Montgomery’s awareness of his actions and his thanks. And confirmation that his deeds will be noted on his Record of Service.

Finally we have a copy of the page on which the MID in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in N W Europe, is confirmed in the London Gazette.  His name features on page 1565 of the supplement to the 22^nd March 1945 issue.

 

These items are for sale as a whole and will not be split by this owner. Please ask here for further details or go to our medals4heroes website.

New acquisitions – superb medal groups.

medals4heroes

Here follows a selection of new acquisitions to our medal stock. There are some fine group here.

 

1) North Somerset Yeomanry 1914 Mons Star Trio to an Officer Killed in Action.

1914 Mons Star Trio, with slide on Clasp and MID Oakleaf.

1914 Star named to –

CAPT E. L. GIBBS N. SOM. YEO.

British War Medal and Victory Medal to:

CAPT. E. L. GIBBS

This extremely rare trio is to Captain Eustace Lyle Gibbs of Tyntesfield, Wraxhall, Bristol, Somerset.

Eustace Lyle Gibbs

Born 1885 Tyntesfield, Somerset
Died 1915 Killed in action in the Great War
Father Antony Gibbs of Tyntesfield (1841 – 1907)
Mother Janet Louisa Merrivale (1850 – 1909)
Life Events

1885 Born
1907 Death of father Antony Gibbs of Tyntesfield
1909 Death of mother Janet Louisa Merrivale
1915 Died
Biography and Notes

6th son. Baptised 12 April 1885 at Wraxall Somerset. Educated at Eton College, 1898-1903; matric. at Oxford (Magdalen College) 1903. Died unmarried 13 February 1915, being killed in action in the Great War near Ypres and was buried there. Memorial Inscription in the cemetery in Wraxall church (Charlton chapel), and in Barrow Gurney chapel, (Barrow Court chapel). Administration London 28 July 1915.

2nd Lieut. North Somerset Yeomanry 1906, Lieut. Ap. 1909, Capt. 29 Aug. 1914. Entered Antony Gibbs and Sons, London, 1908: in Gibbs & Co. Chile, 1909-13 (a manager from 1911): in Antony Gibbs & Co., New York, as second in charge, 1913 to Aug. 1914, when he left to join his Yeomanry for the Great War. Served in France and Belgium from October 1914 till his death and was mentioned in despatches of 14 January 1915. He was buried in the Civil Cemetery at Ypres (which is now continuous with the subsequently made War Cemetery and close outside the Menin Gate). He is recorded on the War memorials in Wraxall church and churchyard, at Eton College, Wells Cathedral, and in the church at Valparaiso.

Portrait by Sir W. B. Richmond R.A. (1890) and a posthumous one by Albert H. Collings in uniform were both in possession of Lord Wraxall in 1930.

 

2) Military Medal & Memorial Plaque to 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers

Military Medal and Memorial Plaque still in its waxed board envelope.

Military Medal named to:

7774 SJT. W. TAYLOR 2 / LANC. FUS.

Memorial Plaque named to :

WILLIAM TAYLOR
Serjeant William Taylor entered France 22nd August 1914 with the 2nd Battalin Lancashire Fusiliers. He is therefore entitled to a 1914 Mons Star Trio of medals.

His M.M. is Gazetted (London Gazette) 11th November 1916.

He was wounded 3 times and was killed in action 23rd April 1918. Aged 37 years.

He was from Bury in Lancashire, son of Harry William and Margaret Taylor of Tenton Street, Elton, Bury. HE married Florence Walsh at Bury, May 13th 1907. They lived at HAmer’s farm, Tottington.

This lot comes with a copy of an article from the Bury Times 1918. This article reports the death of William Taylor and states that he saw service in the Boer War and also served in the West Indies. He was discharged in 1912 and recalled in 1914. There is also a downlaoded photograph of him.

He worked for Bury Corporation and his name is on the Roll of Honour at Tottington Parish Church.

The medal has a few minor knocks and the Plaque has a drill hole which was fairly common for the day.

The 2 groups are now for sale on our medals4heroes website or please feel free to contact us here.

Distinguished Service Order

We are delighted to add a mint condition Distinguished Service Order. Still in its Garrard and Co box. It is dated 1943 on the reverse of the lower bar.

This is a stunning example.

the 1943 dating on the reverse of the lower bar.

 

 

The Garrard and Co. stamped on the inside of the bow.

 

This is available for purchase. Please feel free to contact us through this site to buy.

Royal Navy HMS PELORUS & HMS ROSEMARY NGSM & LSGC Medal Group Plymouth Man

Royal Navy HMS PELORUS & HMS ROSEMARY NGSM & LSGC Medal Group Plymouth Man

FOR SALE – details below or contact us here.

 

Group consists of a:

Persian Gulf 1908 – 1914 clasp Naval General Service Medal.

1914 – 15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

 

 

 

Naval General Service Medal, Persian Gulf 1909 – 1914 Clasp named to:

300598 J. E. WILSON. LDG. STO. H. M. S. PELORUS.

1914-15 Star named to:

 

300598 J. E. WILSON. L. STO.  R. N. 

 

 

 

 

British War Medal and Victory Medal Pair named to:

300598 J. E. WILSON. S. P. O.    R. N.

 

 

Long Service and Good Conduct Medal named to:

300598 J. E. WILSON. ACT. S. P. O. R. N. H.M.S. ROSEMARY

 

 

This will be an interesting research project. It is on sale.

Please do not hesitate to contact us through this site if you wish for further details or to check its availability.

 

 

On sale at:

http://www.medals4heroes.co.uk

BTW – I love my Beverley.