Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to include a Fine Collection of Napoleonic Medals

Victory Medal 1914-19 (5) (2225 Pte. W. R. Hobbs, Glouc. R.; T-3710 Cpl. R. T. Parker, The Queen’s R.; 4-123 Pte. A. Rowley, W. Rid. R.; G-8090 Pte. G. T. Watson, The Queen’s R.; 43612 Pte. W. White, S. Staff. R.) very fine and better (5) £100-140

Lance-Pte William R. Hobbs, 2nd/6th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment was killed in action at the battle of Fromelles, 19 July 1916. His battalion was heavily bombarded before the advance and then when they climbed out of the British Parapet they were shot down in droves. The Australian Military History states that 19 July was the worst day in their history and out of 7080 BEF casualties 5333 were Australians. Pte Hobb’s body was not recovered and his name is recorded on the Loos Memorial. Hobbs also qualified for the Territorial Forces War Medal.  

Robert T. Parker, from Bocking, Essex, landed in Gallipoli on 17 July 1915 as part of the 2/4th Battalion The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and so qualified for the 1914-15 Star. Promoted Corporal and serving on the Western Front, he was killed in action on 29 July 1918. He was buried in the Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire.

Allen Rowley joined the 4 Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Militia Regiment in 1908 and was embodied on 19 September 1914. At that time he was working as a ‘Wire Drawer’ in the Firm of John Walker and Sons Clockmakers, Victoria St, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. He landed in France on 14 April 1915 with the 1/4th Bn D.W.R. and so qualified for the 1914-15 Star. He was killed in action on 15 November 1915 and was buried in Talana Farm Cemetery. His personal effects including his watch and chain were sent to his widowed Mother, Marie Rowley, 6 King St. Cleckheaton together with a pension of 10 shillings a week.

Gilbert Thomas Watson was born in Rushford, Norfolk. His parents were Fred and Anne Marie Watson of 15 Guildhall St, Thetford, Norfolk. Serving in the 7th Battalion The Queen’s Regiment, he was killed in action on 28 September 1916 in the attack on the Schwaben Redoubt. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Private William Whire, 4th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment was killed in action, France/Flanders on 25 May 1918. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial. All with some copied research.