Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private C. Goldfarb, 7th Battalion East Kent Regiment, who died of wounds on 1 October 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (G. 25211 Pte., 7/E. Kent R.) edge bruising, very fine £240-280

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919.

Cecil Goldfarb was a brave Jewish Soldier who was born in Warsaw, Poland. His Family moved to London but by 1915 he was living in Canterbury, Kent.

In 1917 he enlisted into his local Regiment, the 7th East Kent Regiment (The Buffs), and joined them in France as part of the 55th Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division.

In 1918, the 18th Division took part in the battles at Crozat Canal, Baboeuf, Villers-Bretonneux, Murlancourt Ridge, Trone Wood and Ronssoy but their last major battle was the breaking of the Hindenburg Line. This was a combined attack using American, Australian and British Divisions. At 0530 hrs on the 29th September after a "terrific bombardment" the attack began. At 0845 hrs. the 55th Brigade were ordered forward but came under intense fire from Guillemont Farm and eventually the Brigade Commander ordered the 7th Buffs to halt in the Fleesceall-Pomponious Lanes area. Although German morale was low, troops were hungry and ammunition in short supply the German soldiers fought with bravery and determination. The Buffs came under "withering machine gun and artillery fire". As darkness fell the battalion was ordered to hold the line of Cochrane Avenue- Lion Trench- Egg Post and
prepare for a counter attack. Gradually the German resistance slackened and on the night 30th September/1st October the 7th Buffs were ordered to advance to Vendhuile.

On 1 October 1918 Private Cecil Goldfarb died of his wounds and was buried in the Doingt Communal Cemetery near Peonne. He was the husband of Mrs W. F. Goldfarb of 5, Stour Street, Canterbury.

In the year of 2000, the British Legion in Canterbury realised that Private Cecil Goldfarb’s name was not recorded on the Canterbury War Memorial. To remedy this situation a ceremony was held on the 82nd Anniversary of his death when a new memorial plaque bearing Private Goldfarb’s name was dedicated. The Lord Mayor of Canterbury, the Chairman of the Canterbury Branch of the Queens Own Buffs and representatives of the British Legion laid wreaths. The Mayor stating that “It was fitting that this plaque has been dedicated on the anniversary of his death”. With copied research.