Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private J. Leonardi, M.M., York and Lancaster Regiment
1914-15 Star (19084 Pte., York & Lanc. R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (19084 Pte., Y. & L. R.) this last officially renamed

Pair: Private T. Harkin, York and Lancaster Regiment
1914-15 Star (19754 Pte., York & Lanc. R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (19754 Pte., Y. & L. R.)

Pair: Private W. Harper, Northumberland Fusiliers
British War and Victory Medals (78882 Pte., North’d. Fus.); together with Silver War Badge (B.247474) very fine and better (7) £90-120

James Leonardi was born in 1874 and lived with his parents Frederick and Hannah at St Annes, Nottingham. A Milk Seller by occupation, he enlisted on 10 September 1914. He went to France with the 9th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment on 27 August 1915 as part of 70th Brigade, 8th Division. On 1 July 1916 the 9th Battalion took part in the Battle of the Somme and lost almost half the attacking force from machine guns sited in Thiepval Wood. Out of 25 officers and 736 other ranks, only 180 returned. Lance-Corporal Leonardi was awarded the M.M. (London Gazette 12 December 1917). He was discharged from the 13th Battalion on 18 February 1919 with a home address of 17, Wright Street off Hewitt Street, Nottingham.

Private Thomas Harkin, York and Lancaster Regiment entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 10 September 1915. He was discharged on 24 January 1918 and awarded the Silver War Badge.

Private William Harper enlisted on 5 June 1916. Discharged from the 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry on 11 April 1919. With copied m.i.c.; S.W.B. not confirmed.