Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Sergeant E. J. Drowley, 7th (City of London) Battalion, later 22nd (County of London) Battalion (The Queen’s), London Regiment

1914-15 Star (2442 Pte. E. J. Drowley. 7-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (2442 Cpl. E. J. Drowley 7-Lond. R.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (698241 Sjt. E. J. Drawley [sic]. 22/Lond. R.) very fine or better (4) £180-£220

M.S.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919:
‘In recognition of valuable service rendered with the armies in France and Flanders.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 December 1918.

Edward John Drowley was born in 1891 at Peckham, London and attested for the 7th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment on 10 September 1914. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 18 March 1915. Drowley was promoted Lance-Corporal on 15 May 1916, and Corporal on 14 February 1917. He transferred to the 1/22nd Battalion, London Regiment on 24 April 1918, was promoted to Lance Sergeant on 27 August 1918, and remained serving in France until the end of the war. He was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his services during the Great War. He was discharged on 17 May 1919 and awarded a Silver War Badge although his service record contains no indication of lasting physical injury. A note with the lot states his death in Surrey in 1934 was by suicide.

Sold with a studio portrait photograph of the recipient as a young man, handwritten on the reverse ‘To Ethel with fondest love and kisses from Edward J Drowley’; a photograph of the recipient seated outdoors taken circa 1920s; and a brass shoulder title.