A Collection of Medals for the Gallipoli Campaign

Four: Captain (Quartermaster) J. Ellis, Cheshire Regiment, who served over 30 years with the Colours and witnessed heavy losses during the Gallipoli Campaign

1914-15 Star (Q.M. & Capt: J. Ellis. Ches. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Q.M. & Capt. J. Ellis.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (2282 C. Serjt: J. Ellis. Cheshire Regt.) good very fine (4) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals for the Gallipoli Campaign.

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M.I.D. London Gazette 5 August 1920.

Joseph Ellis attested for the Cheshire Regiment at Chester on 5 June 1886 and was appointed to the 2nd Battalion as Lance Corporal on 3 December 1889. Posted to India he was advanced Sergeant 16 August 1891 and Colour Sergeant 29 November 1892, and was later awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal under Army Order No. 172 of 1904. Transferred to the Permanent Staff of the 6th Battalion, Ellis was later discharged to pension at Stockport on 31 July 1914, his military character described as ‘exemplary’:
‘He is honest, sober and absolutely trustworthy. He possesses tact and gets the best work out of his men - a man of intelligence, he is hardworking, clean and punctual in all his duties.’

Keen to remain useful to the British Army rather than return to his civilian occupation as a fishmonger, Ellis was appointed to a commission as Lieutenant and Quartermaster in the 1/4th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. Posted to the Dardanelles from 7 August 1915, he fought with the 4th Battalion and 53rd Division during operations around Suvla Bay; so intense was the fighting that by the time they were evacuated to Mudros on 11 December 1915, the Division mustered just 162 officers and 2428 men, approximately 15% of original strength. Advanced Captain and Mentioned in Despatches, Ellis survived the Great War and later returned to live in Birkenhead, home of the 4th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment (T.F.).

Sold with a fine portrait photograph of the recipient in military uniform, wearing his L.S. & G.C. Medal, with hand written note to reverse confirming M.I.D. for the Egyptian campaign.