Three: Sergeant S. F. Blundell, 2nd Battalion, later 11th (Service) Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), who was killed in action in the attack on Observation Ridge, during the First Battle of the Scarpe, on 9 April 1917

1914 Star (L-13101 Pte. S. Blundell. 2/Middx: R.); British War and Victory Medals (L-13101 Sjt. S. Blundell. Midd’x R.); Memorial Plaque (Sidney Blundell) the Star somewhat polished, otherwise very fine (4) £200-£240

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Barry Hobbs Collection of Great War Medals.

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Sidney Frederick Blundell was born in 1893 at Islington, London and attested for the Middlesex Regiment at Mill Hill on 21 September 1910 having previously served 5 months in the 5th Middlesex Regiment Special Reserve. Posted to the 2nd Battalion on 1 December 1910, he then served with the 1st Battalion in Aden from November 1912 until December 1913. This was followed by a posting to Malta with the 2nd Battalion until September 1914.

Blundell served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1914 and was invalided to England having suffered a scalp wound on 9 January 1915, whilst in trenches north of Neuve Chapelle in the Rue de Bacquerot sector. On 29 June, his wounds sufficiently healed, he was posted back to France to join the 11th (Service) Battalion of his Regiment and was promoted Corporal on 8 March 1916 and Sergeant on 9 August 1916. He suffered a gun shot wound to the right leg on 10 October 1916 during the Battle of Le Transloy Ridges, where the battalion moved up to the front line on 7 October and incurred heavy casualties under sustained shelling.

Blundell was killed in action in France on 9 April 1917 during the 36th Brigade’s attack on Observation Ridge at the First Battle of the Scarpe. The War Diary of the 11th Battalion stating:
‘The Battalion went over the top as practised on the training ground. The Artillery work was splendid and never really gave the Bosche a chance. Our fellows took full advantage of the different barrages and quickly captured the objectives i.e., the Black Line (Hertford Trench).’
The losses during the day were 6 officers and approximately 100 other ranks killed, wounded and missing.

He was the son of Mrs Laura Ann Blundell, of 103 Tollington Rd., Holloway, London and having no known grave is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

Sold together with the recipient’s Soldier’s Small book; Army Form B. 104-82, dated 28 April 1917, informing the recipient’s mother of his death; Record Office transmittal letter for British War and Victory Medals; and the recipient’s brother’s August 1919 death certificate.