Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (MS-4999 M. S. Sjt. R. F. Bell. 49/A.S.P. A.S.C.) number partially officially corrected, very fine £100-£140

M.S.M. London Gazette 17 June 1918:
‘In recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war.’

Robert F. Bell was born in 1884 and was a native of Hornsey, Middlesex. He attested for the Army Service Corps on 10 August 1914 and served with them in the France and Flanders theatre of war from 23 September 1914.
Serving with No. 49 Ammunition Sub Park, Army Service Corps, 6th Division, he received a special mention in the War Diary on 4 March 1918:
'..M.S./4999 M.S.S. Bell R. General good work and devotion to duty September 1917 to Feb 1918..'
Bell's 'Immediate' M.S.M. was then gazetted the following June, also giving his rank as Mechanist Staff Sergeant.
The 6th Division had been engaged in the Battle of Cambrai, the first great tank assault, from 20 November 1917 to 3 December 1917.
Bell was discharged due to sickness on 31 January 1919 and was awarded the Silver War Badge; also entitled to 1914 Star trio.
Sold with copied research including relevant war diary extract.