1914-15 Star (1940 A.R.S.M. L. V. Popkiss. 2-L.Gds.) good very fine £60-£80

Lionel Victor Popkiss was born at Dover, Kent, on 15 August 1874, son of a Trinity Pilot. He attested for the 2nd Life Guards at Hyde Park on 7 May 1894, aged 19, and described his trade as ‘traveller’. He was appointed Lance-Corporal in May 1898 and promoted Corporal in November 1900. He served in South Africa from December 1899 to November 1900, and received the Queen’s Medal with 6 clasps. Advanced to Corporal of Horse in May 1902, he was employed on signalling duties at the Coronation of Edward VII. He was promoted to Squadron Corporal-Major in March 1909 and received his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1912.

He transferred to the Permanent Staff of the Ayrshire Yeomanry in November 1913 and served with that unit during the Great War, in Gallipoli from 27 August 1915 to 2 January 1916, and afterwards at Mudros and Egypt until May 1916, when he returned home. He was discharged to a commission as Second Lieutenant in the 3/1st Ayrshire Yeomanry 22 May 1916, serving in Egypt until January when his unit was disbanded and formed into 12th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, seeing service in Palestine. He was seconded for service with the Royal Air Force in July 1918 and resigned his commission on 23 March 1921, being granted the rank of Captain.

Popkis was appointed to the Yeomen of the King’s Body Guard on 5 July 1920, his record of service noting that he was twice mentioned in despatches, in 1917 and 1919. He died in 13 December 1952, having been the proprietor of the Lion Hotel Garage at Dulverton, Somerset.

Note: Popkiss’ Queen’s South Africa Medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals were sold in these rooms in May 2019.