Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private Charles Frowley, 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who was killed in action on 3 October 1916

Military Medal, G.V.R. (10571 Pte., 7-E. Surr. R.) good very fine £280-320

M.M. London Gazette 21 September 1916.

Charles Frowley was born in Watford, Warwickshire; after joining the Army in Birmingham he was given the regimental number 94119 and posted to the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). He subsequently transferred to the R.F.A. and finally to the 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment and given the regimental number 10571.

As part of the 37th Brigade 12th (Eastern) Division, the 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment moved to the Front Line on 7 July 1916 and very early on 8 July attacked South West of Ovillers. ‘The Division adopted the sensible tactic of advancing across no-mans land while the artillery bombarded the enemy and then rushing the last few yards when it lifted’. From 8 July to 13 August the Battalion were heavily engaged in attack and counter attack and lost 169 casualties. On 1 October 1916 the 7th Battalion East Surreys took over the forward trenches at Guendecourt, which were described as in ‘Appalling Condition’. Private Charles Frowley was killed in action on 3 October 1916. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. At the time of his death his next-of-kin was his sister – Mrs A. M. Thomas who lived in Canada at Okanagaw Falls, near Penticton, British Columbia.

With copied research.