Orders, Decorations and Medals

Bushbury, Staffordshire, 76mm, in silver, a superb die struck medallion, the obverse with central profile of George V, inscribed with the names of the various British allies and ‘To commemorate the victorious peace 1919’, the reverse inscribed ‘In proud & affectionate rememberance, he gave his life for his country, presented by the people of Bushbury’, central shield engraved ‘Sapper G. H. Swain, R.E. killed 9th April 1918, aged 25’, extremely fine £200-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Great War Welcome Home Medals.

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Sapper G. H. Swain enlisted at Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. He was killed in action France and Flanders 9 April 1918 whilst serving with 3rd Special Company, Royal Engineers. His name is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

A photograph of an identical medal to this piece (to a different recipient) was published in an O.M.R.S. journal in a piece submitted by Christopher Eimer. At this time the medallion in question was thought to be a unique item.