Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1915 ‘Gallipoli’ M.M., ‘Western Front’ M.S.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant T. W. Boost, Royal Field Artillery

Military Medal, G.V.R. (65749 Cpl. T. W. Boost. 10/By: R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (65749 Gnr: T. W. Boost. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (65749 Sjt. T. W. Boost. R.A.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (65749 Sjt. T. W. Boost. M.M. R.F.A.) minor edge bruising, very fine or better (5) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916.
The recommendation states: ‘For excellent work mending and relaying telephone wires at all times, especially on the night of the 1st-2nd May 1915 under heavy rifle fire.’

M.S.M. London Gazette 18 January 1919:
‘In recognition of valuable service rendered with the Armies in France and Flanders’.

Thomas William Boost was born in 1892 and served with the 10th Battery, 29th Division, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War in Gallipoli from 28 April 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during the action at Eski Hissarlik, Cape Helles, on the night of 1-2 May 1915. The History of the 29th Divisional Artillery states: ‘on the night of 1st-2nd May 1915 the Turks made a violent counter-attack against the French and ourselves. Several of our trenches were evacuated. By 04:30 the Turks were in full retreat and were shelled effectively by “B” and “Y”, who covered the advance of the French. Our casualties in telephonists this day were severe. The 15th Brigade lost 9 of their and the 460th Battery 3 in the process of laying cables.’

Boost subsequently served with the 36th Divisional Ammunition Column on the Western Front, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He died in 1947.

Sold with copied research and four photographs of the recipient.