Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘French Theatre’ M.C. group of five awarded to Captain G. Sowerby, 1/5th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment
Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse engraved ‘Capt. G. Sowerby, 5th West Yorkshire Regiment 17th May 1916’; 1914-15 Star (Capt. G. Sowerby. W. York. R.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Capt. G. Sowerby.); Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1919, lacking integral top-riband bar, generally very fine or better (5) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the West Yorkshire (14th Foot) and Yorkshire (19th Foot) Regiments.

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M.C. London Gazette 14 January 1916.

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1916 and 15 May 1917.

Geoffrey Sowerby was born in Sunderland, the son of William Sowerby an Architect and Surveyor, in 1880. He served in the ranks of the 1st Volunteer Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, April 1897 - August 1907. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant, 8 August 1907, and appointed Lieutenant in the 5th (Territorial) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment 18 October 1910. Sowerby attended a Levee at Buckingham Palace, 2 June 1913, and advanced to Captain in September of the following year.

Sowerby served during the Great War with the 1/5th Battalion in the French theatre of war, from 15 April 1915. The following month they became part of the 146th Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Division, and served with distinction on the Somme in 1916. Sowerby was at one time employed on the staff of 146th Brigade.