Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

1914 Star, with copy clasp (13036 Pte. E. Walters. S. Wales Bord.); 1914 Star (2), (10977 Pte. G. Archer. S. Wales Bord.; 13022 Pte. F. Parker. S. Wales Bord.) the second with later impressed naming, extremely fine (3) £200-240

Private Evan Walters, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, entered the war on 20 September 1914, and was killed in action on 11 November 1914, aged 40, son of the late David and Ann Walters, of Rhymney, Cardiff. He is commemorated by name on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

Private George Archer, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, entered the war on 13 August 1914. His medal index card shows ‘Desertion’ crossed through followed by ‘Dis. 21.9.16.’, the reverse of the card noting ‘Inf. Recs. Shrewsbury returns 1914 Star. Forfeits for desertion. 28.7.19.’ From the style of impressing it would appear to have been re-issued at a later date.

Private Frederick James Parker, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, entered the war on 13 November 1914, and was killed in action on 4 November 1918, at Castillon on the Sambre Canal. This was the last great battle in the west, 1/S.W.B. having five killed and one officer and 15 men wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel D. J. Johnson was awarded the Victoria Cross for this action. Parker is buried in Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau.