Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private W. Bonnar, 1/5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, who was killed in action on 23 July 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (201087 Pte., 1/5 Sea. Highrs.); Memorial Plaque (William Bonnar) M.M. extremely fine (2)
£320-360

M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918.

William Bonnar was an Irishman born in County Antrim. He joined the Army in Belfast and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. In July 1918 the 1/5th were fighting alongside the French near Chalons in the final battles of the War. At 0800 hrs. on 21 July the 5th Seaforth Highlanders and the 6th Gordons advanced into the Bois de Coutron which was strongly held by the enemy, an advance of 400 yards was achieved and the line consolidated. At 0630 hrs. on the 23rd in the open ground near Bullin Farm with its right flank on the River Ardre, the 1/5th attacked again with the 6th Seaforth on their left. As they moved across the River they were met by enfilade machine gun fire but this was overcome using the bayonet. Six machine guns were captured and their crews destroyed. During this battle on 23 July, William Bonnar, aged 19 years, was killed and was later buried in Marfaux Cemetery. On 28 July the Battalion was relieved and moved back to Bullin Farm. During the eight days of the heaviest fighting ever experienced by the 1/5th Seaforth Highlanders, the casualties had been 7 officers killed and 8 wounded, and 67 soldiers, including William Bonnar, killed with 275 wounded. His Next of Kin were his parents, George and Helen Bonnar who lived at 2, Oldpark Village, Belfast.

With Memorial Scroll mounted on card, together with copied research.