A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Corporal F. Goldsworthy, 3rd South African Infantry, late 12th Citizen Battery, who was thrice wounded in action and taken prisoner-of-war

Military Medal, G.V.R. (8455 A.L. Cpl., 3/S.A. Inf.); 1914-15 Star (Gnr., 12th Cit. Batt.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (L/Cpl., 3rd S.A.I.) good very fine and better (4)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Late Bruce C Cazel Collection of British Campaign Awards.

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M.M. London Gazette 14 January 1918.

Citation reads: ‘During the operations on 20 September 1917 to north of Ypres-Zonnebere railway, during the attack on Mitchell’s Farm, he showed great courage and determination, and with a few others assisted in subduing or killing fifty of the enemy. His initiative was an inspiration to his comrades.’

Frank Goldsworthy was born in Redruth, Cornwall. A Miner by occupation, he attested for the Rand Rifles on 19 October 1914. After transferral to an artillery training depot in March 1915, he was posted as a Gunner to the 12th Citizen Battery in April. He was discharged on 17 July 1915 after serving in German South West Africa. On 13 December 1915 he then attested for the 3rd South African Infantry. He entered France on 12 July 1916 and was posted to ‘B’ Company, 3rd S.A.I. Goldsworthy was wounded in action on 18 October 1916 - suffering a gunshot wound to the right leg. Invalided to England, he recovered and rejoining the 3rd S.A.I. and was posted to ‘D’ Company on 14 June 1917. For his bravery in action during the Third Battle of Ypres in September 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal. Appointed a Lance-Corporal on 12 November 1917, he was again wounded on 18 November - being buried by debris from artillery shell fire and gas poisoning. After recovering from his wounds in England, he was again posted to the front, this time joining the 4th South African Infantry on 1 April 1918. On 13 April 1918 he was for the third time wounded in action but was taken prisoner by the Germans. He was released from German custody on 1 December 1918 and was returned to South Africa where he was discharged on 24 August 1919.

With copied service papers.