Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private F. O. Whibley, 2nd Battalion, The Queen’s Regiment, killed in action whilst serving with the 7th Battalion on the Western Front, 27 February 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (G-4940 Pte. F. O. Whibley. 2/The Queen’s R.); 1914-15 Star (G-4940 Pte. F. O. Whibley. The Queen’s R.); British War and Victory Medals (G-4940 Pte. F. O. Whibley. The Queen’s R.); Memorial Plaque (Frank Oliver Whibley) last in card envelope of issue, generally good very fine (5) £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 10 August 1916.

Frank Oliver Whibley was born in Bromley, Kent, and was the son of Mrs. E. Whibley of 1 Defoe Road, Tooting Broadway, Tooting, London. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, The Queen’s Regiment in the French theatre of war from 29 June 1915. The Battalion served as part of the 91st Brigade, 7th Division on the Somme, July - September 1916. A letter from the curator of the Regimental Museum, dated 24 June 1986, gives the following with regard to Whibley’s M.M.:

‘I see from the Regimental History that his name is amongst those “brought to notice as performing specially good work.” That was following the attack on Mametz Village and Wood by the 91st Brigade, 7th Division on 1st July 1916 and I would think that it was during this action that Pte. Whibley earned his Military Medal.’

On the above date, the Battalion ‘advanced into assembly positions for attack towards Mametz (1/7) - moving forward at 9.50 am. ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies came under heavy fire from Danzig Alley before entering Bucket Trench Bulgar Alley - ‘B’ and ‘D’ following on later cleared Fritz Trench. Cliff and White Trenches taken (2/7). Relieved from Queen’s Nullah and to Minden Post (4/7). Casualties - 307.’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake, refers)

Whibley subsequently transferred to the 7th (Service) Battalion and was killed in action whilst serving with them on the Western Front, 27 February 1917. Private Whibley is buried in the Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, Somme, France.