Auction Catalogue

2 December 2009

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 646

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2 December 2009

Hammer Price:
£1,500

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Able Seaman E. Harris, Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, three times wounded in action

Military Medal, G.V.R. (WZ-995 A.B. E. Harris, Hawke Bn. R.N.V.R.) edge bruising, very fine £600-700

M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919.

Eddie Harris was born on 2 October 1896. Living in Neath and a Collier by occupation, he enlisted into the R.N.V.R. on 11 May 1915. He was promoted to Able Seaman in August 1915 and Leading Seaman in November 1915. Posted to the Hawke Battalion, he entered France on 10 July 1916 and reverted to Able Seaman at his own request in November that year. In March 1917 he was admitted to hospital at Etaples suffering from Trench Feet but was able to rejoin his unit during the following month. He was admitted to the 7th Canadian General Hospital in Etaples in November 1917 suffering from the effects of gas. Recovering he was able once more to return to his unit but in March 1918 he was again wounded - suffering from a gunshot wound and the effects of gas, for which he was invalided to England. In August 1918 he returned to the Hawke Battalion in France but was wounded for the third time in September 1918 - suffering a gunshot wound to the chest, leg and foot, for which he was invalided to England. For his brave services Able Seaman Harris was awarded the Military Medal. He was demobilised on 13 January 1919.

With copied service papers.