Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

British War Medal 1914-20 (3) (821 Pte. C. T. Welham, R.N. Devon Yeo.; G-8270 Pte. T. Sawyer, R. Suss. R.; 29415 Cpl. H. Tortoishell, Worc. R.) slight edge bruising, contact marks, very fine (3) £30-40

Charles Welham was born in Kingsbridge, Devon in 1886. On the outbreak of war he joined the 1st Battalion Royal North Devon Yeomanry, which was being raised at Barnstable as part of the 2nd South Western Brigade. The regiment sailed on the Olympic and arrived at Sulva Bay, Gallipoli on 9 October 1915. During November and December they were involved in actions at Jephsons Post, Willow Tree, Caters House and White House, being evacuated to Imbros on 19 December 1915. The battalion was then posted to Egypt and in January 1917 they were merged with the 1st Devonshire Yeomanry to become the 16th (Royal 1st Devon and Royal North Devon Yeomanry) Battalion Devonshire Regiment.

Thomas Sawyer lived in Tunbridge Wells and enlisted at Eastbourne. He served with the 9th Battalion Royal Sussex Battalion, entering the France/Flanders theatre of war on 24 May 1916. The battalion fought in the battles of the Somme in 1916, Arras in 1917, and at the Hindenburg Line during 1918. He was demobilised on 18 March 1919.

Harry Tortoishell lived in Balsall Heath, Birmingham. He initially served in the 5th Battalion Worcester Regiment, transferring in February 1916 to the 14th (Severn Valley Pioneer) Battalion. He was demobilised on 6 March 1919. All, with copied,.i.c. and some service details.