Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. / M.S.M. pair awarded to Serjeant Alfred O. Edwards, 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (the Stockbroker’s Battalion), awarded the M.M. for a ‘V.C. action’ on 8/9 March 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (Stk.-389 Sjt., 10/R. Fus.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Stk-389 Sjt., 10/R. Fus.) good very fine (2) £340-380

M.M. London Gazette 25 April 1918.

M.S.M. London Gazette 17 June 1918. ‘... in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war’.

On 12 August 1914 the Lord Mayor of London raised the first of many ‘Pals Battalions’ from the businessmen of the City of London. It was the 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, known colloquially as the ‘Stockbrokers Battalion’.

One of those who joined at that time, reporting for duty at the Throgmorton Street Recruiting Centre was Mr Alfred O. Edwards who came from Balham. Alfred Edwards was accepted and given the early 10th Battalion number –STK/389.

On 22 July 1915 after an inspection by King George, the Battalion landed at Boulogne and concentrated near Tilques; Private Edwards landed on 30 July 1915. The 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers became part of 111 Brigade, 37th Division. The battalion remained in France and Flanders for the whole of the war. From 9 July to 17 November 1916 they took part in the Battle of the Somme, fighting at Poizieres, High Wood and Mametz Wood. In 1917 they fought in the Third Battle of the Somme, at the Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele.

On the night of the 8/9th March 1918 the Battalion was heavily involved in the intense fighting following the launch of the last major German assault. In this battle Lance-Corporal Charles G. Robertson earned an immediate Victoria Cross “For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in repelling a strong attack by the enemy - although severely wounded he mounted his gun on the parapet of a shell hole and although alone, put up the most determined resistance and undoubtedly prevented the enemy from making a more rapid advance”.

Twelve days later on 21 March, the Corps Commander Lieutenant-General Sir A. J. Godley inspected the Battalion and presented Sergeant A. O. Edwards with the ‘Medal Ribbon of the Military Medal’ and congratulated the battalion on its fine work on the night of the 8th/9th March. He went on to say that he was proud to have such a battalion under his command and that he felt that wherever the battalion was, the line would be safe.

In 1923 Quarter Master Sergeant Alfred O. Edwards retired from the Army. He was one of 219 soldiers awarded both the M.M. and M.S.M. for the Great War. With copied m.i.c. and roll and war diary extracts.