Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Leading Seaman G. R. F. Rees, Anson, late Nelson Battalions, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, three times wounded in action, who died of wounds, 1 October 1918.

Military Medal, G.V.R. (B.Z.145 L.S. G. R. F. Rees, Anson Bn. R.N.V.R.) nearly extremely fine £800-900

M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919.

George Richard Francis Rees was born on 13 December 1896. Living in Cardiff and a Gasman by occupation, he enlisted into the R.N.V.R. on 17 October 1914. Posted to the Nelson Battalion in December 1915, he joined the unit at Mudros in January 1916. In July 1916 his unit was posted to Alexandria but he remained at Mudros being treated for acute appendicitis. After rejoining his unit he was posted to France in September 1916. Rees was admitted to hospital at Dannes Chamiers in January 1917 suffering from Trench Feet and was later invalided to England. He returned to his unit in the field in July 1917. Rees was wounded on 3 January 1918, being buried by shell explosion and suffering from shell shock. Posted to the Anson Battalion in March 1918 he was wounded in action on 26 August 1918 - receiving a mild gunshot wound to his cheek. Returning to duty he was wounded for the third time - receiving gunshot wounds to his buttocks and leg. Sadly his wounds proved to be fatal and he died of his injuries on 1 October 1918. He was buried in the Sunken Road Cemetery, Boisleux St. Marc, near Arras. He was the son of James Francis and Kate Elizabeth Rees of 169A Clive Street, Grangetown, Cardiff. With copied service papers and war diary extracts - these covering the period 10 September-8 October, when the Anson Battalion, part of the 63rd (R.N.) Division, was in action in the Cambrai Sector.