Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Gunner W. F. Smith, Royal Garrison Artillery

Military Medal, G.V.R. (338325 Gnr., 239/Sge. By. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (338325 Gnr., R.A.) good very fine (3) £350-400

M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918.

Extract from the Seaham Weekly News, 9 June 1919 -

‘Gunner Smith had been awarded the medal for bravery and devotion to duty, the distinction being gained at the Battle of Arras in May of last year. The officer of his battery had been mortally wounded, and Gunner Smith, under a very heavy barrage, went for assistance, which he brought and the Officer removed. Gunner Smith again went out during the barrage to obtain an officer to take command of his half of the battery which was then holding a very important forward position’.

William French Smith was born in 1898 and attested for service on 6 June 1916. Transferred to the Reserve on 24 October 1919

Sold with a quantity of original documents, including letter of recomendation from his headmaster, 1909; Soldiers’ Service and Pay Book; Classification Certificate; written orders re. the presentation of his M.M.; Protection Certificate; Certificate of Transfer to Reserve; Certificate of Employment during the War; Identity Card; British War and Victory Medals (damaged) card box of issue; photographs; newspaper extracts; cards and letters. Also with copied War Diary extracts.