The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A rare Great War ‘Gas Operations’ M.M. group of four awarded to 2nd Corporal R. W. Careswell, ‘N’ Special Company, Royal Engineers

Military Medal, G.V.R. (129131 2 Cpl., ‘N’ Spec. Coy. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (129131 2 Cpl., R.E.); Belgium, Croix de Guerre, ‘A’ cypher, with bronze ‘A’ palm on ribbon, nearly extremely fine (4) £350-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917.

Robert Walter Careswell was born in Kensal Rise, Middlesex, lived at Willesden and enlisted at St. Pancras. Serving initially with the Rifle Brigade, he later served with ‘N’ Special Company Royal Engineers - with whom he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in action. ‘N’ Special Company, R.E. was a unit that used cylinders as means to discharge poison gas. Serving with the unit, Careswell died of wounds on 15 November 1917, having probably been wounded the day before. Aged 21 years at the time of his death, Careswell was buried in the Steenkerke Belgian Military Cemetery. He was the son of Walter and Jessie C. Careswell of 30 Bridge Street, Taylor’s Lane, Willesden, London. Croix de Guerre not confirmed. With the book, ‘Gas! The Story of the Special Brigade, by Major-General C. H. Foulkes, a modern reprint. Also with copied m.i.c. and other research.