Five: Company Quartermaster Sergeant E. R. Hole, Royal Engineers, later Royal Signals

1914 Star, with clasp (23305 Cpl. E. R. Hole. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (23305 Sjt. E. R. Hole. R.E.); India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Waziristan 1919-21, Mahsud 1919-20 (23305 Sjt. E. R. Hole, R.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1850266 Sjt. E. R. Hole. R. Signals.) polishing to high relief, good fine to nearly very fine (5) £160-£200

Ernest Robert Hole was born in Chilworth, near Guildford, around 1888, and attested for the Royal Engineers at New Cross on 15 March 1906. An engine cleaner by trade, he soon acquired certificates in telephony and signalling, and was posted to France with the 6th Signal Company, Royal Engineers, on 8 September 1914. Raised Sergeant, he transferred to the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in February 1917 and was later posted to the North-West Frontier of India during the Third Afghan War. Sent with a detachment of ‘L’ Company to Jubbelpore, he transferred to the Royal Signals and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1924.

Raised Company Quartermaster Sergeant, Hole was discharged from service at Colchester on 1 March 1927, his reference offering a fitting testimony to a man who had served over 21 years with the Colours:
‘C.Q.M.S. Hole has proved himself to be a thoroughly reliable, hardworking, keen, efficient N.C.O. He is honest, sober and energetic with plenty of self confidence. He is trustworthy and painstaking in his work, with considerable experience and initiative, and moreover has the power of command. I can most strongly recommend him for any employment he wishes to take up.’

Sold with copied service record and research confirming entitlement.