Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘first day of the Battle of Cambrai’ M.M. awarded to Private H. Starr, 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, late Essex Regiment, for his gallantry at Morcoing on 20 November 1917. He was subsequently killed in action on 15 May 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (40760 Pte. H. Starr. 2/S.W. Bord:) extremely fine £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Gallantry Awards to the South Wales Borderers.

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M.M. London Gazette 19 March 1918.

The original Recommendation, dated 28 November 1917, states: ‘Near Marcoing on 20 November 1917 for conspicuous courage and gallantry in the advance. Machine gun and rifle fire was opened from two or three ammunition pits in front of the Company. Private Starr and another man at once on their own initiative rushed forward with a Lewis Gun in spite of heavy fire and opened fire from the flank of their positions at very close range. This greatly assisted the rushing of these positions. Private Starr was twice wounded slightly but remained at duty till the end of the day.’

Henry Starr was born in Chadwell Heath, Essex, and attested for the Essex Regiment at Ilford, Essex. Transferring to the South Wales Borderers, he served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War, and was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry at Marcoing on the first day of the Battle of Cambrai on 20 November 1917, being notified of the award of his M.M. on 15 January 1918. He was killed in action on the Western Front on 15 May 1918, and is buried in Cinq Rues British Cemetery, France.