Three: Serjeant H. C. Welfare, Sussex Yeomanry, who died during a marathon race on Mudros, 28 January 1916

1914-15 Star (1341 Sjt., Suss. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (1341 Sjt., Suss. Yeo.); Memorial Plaque (Harold Cuthbert Welfare) this last in paper and card envelopes, extremely fine (4) £250-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Sussex Yeomanry.

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Serjeant Harold Cuthbert Welfare, Sussex Yeomanry, entered Gallipoli on 7 October 1915. Having survived that deadly theatre of war, he died while taking part in a marathon race on the isle of Mudros, 28 January 1916, aged 23 years. He was buried in the Portianos Military Cemetery, Greece. Harold Welfare was the son of John Henry and Emily Welfare, of Crowborough, Sussex and husband of Marjorie Ursula Welfare, of 29 Victoria Mansions, Chambers Lane, Willesden Green, London.

‘A marathon race was organised and took place on January 28th. It was unfortunately marked for the Regiment by a tragic occurence. Sergt. Welfare (”A-B” Squadron), a well known runner in similar events at home, started, and less than a mile from the finish was seen going well and strong. Very shortly afterwards he stumbled and fell, and when assistance arrived he was found to be dead. His death cast a gloom over the whole Regiment, occuring as it did at a time when all were impressed with the feeling that whatever the future might have in store at least, for the present, all was well. Sergt. Welfare was buried with full military honours in the Cemetery at Portianos.’ (ref. Regimental History).

With original slip to accompany the 1914-15 Star and with copied research.