Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private E. Holmes, 11th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, killed in action, “First Day of the Somme”, 1 July 1916

1914-15 Star (17724 Pte, Notts. & Derby. R.); British War and Victory Medals (17724 Pte., Notts. & Derby. R.) contact marks, very fine (3) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine Collection of Medals to the Sherwood Foresters.

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Ernest Holmes was born in and enlisted at Nottingham. Serving with the 11th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, he was killed in action on 1 July 1916 - the first day of the battle of the Somme. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. With copied casualty details.

The attack made by the 11th battalion was between Thiepval and Ouviliers, the final objective being Mouquet Farm (”Mucky Farm” to the Tommies!). On entering the trenches on 1 July 1916 the battalion consisted of 27 officers and 710 other ranks; at the end of the day just 6 officers and 202 men were left.