Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A poignant father and son family group:

Pair: Corporal H. Armitage, Army Cyclist Corps, who was killed in action in Belgium on 2 August 1917

British War and Victory Medals (3833 Cpl., A. Cyc. Corps), with related Memorial Plaque (Henry Armitage), extremely fine

Pair: Private J. Armitage, South Wales Borderers, who was killed in action on 2 September 1918

British War and Victory Medals (45300 Pte., S. Wales Bord.), with related Memorial Plaque (James Armitage), extremely fine (6) £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Great War Casualties formed by Tim Parsons.

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Henry Armitage was born at Sheffield and originally enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment at Hyde. Subsequently transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Army Cyclist Corps, he was killed in action in Belgium on 2 August 1917.

The following obituary notice appeared in the Hyde Reporter on 11 August 1917, under the headline “Hit By Shell - Cyclist Killed While Doing His Bit”:

‘Mrs. H. Armitage, of 42 Cross Street, Hyde, had a painful shock on Tuesday morning. She expected her husband, Corporal Henry Armitage home from France on leave, and instead she received two letters announcing his death in action. Corporal Armitage was 38 years of age and was in the Army Cyclist Corps. In the following message his officer, Captain H. S. Fowler, commanding the Cyclists’ Battalion, wrote on August 2nd:

“Dear Madam - I very much regret to have to advise you that your husband, Corporal H. Armitage, was killed in action yesterday, August 1st [note one day difference versus official date of death]. I am sure, however, that you will always be glad that he had been doing good and valuable work, and that his loss is keenly felt by all the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of this battalion. His comrades know him as a brave soldier and a good man. He set a good example to the others before he was so unfortunately stricken down.

I desire on behalf of his officers, N.C.Os and comrades to express our deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement and to assure you that every care will be taken to forward his personal effects, and to see that every step is taken to mark the position of, and to care for his grave.”

Sergeant S. Buckingham in a letter said:

“He was working in company with his section when he was hit by a shell. I wish to convey my deep sympathy with you on behalf of the N.C.Os and men of his company.”

Corporal Armitage was formerly employed as a miner at Kingston Colliery. He enlisted on 5 September 1914 and had been in France for the past 18 months. On July 26th, and again on July 30th, he wrote home to his wife saying that he would shortly be coming home on leave. Mrs. Armitage was expecting him on Tuesday this week, when, instead, she received the fateful news of his death. He was connected with St. George’s Church and Sunday School. His son, James Armitage, is with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, now in training in Ireland ...’

Henry Armitage was interred in the Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, Belgium; photogrpahs of his headstone are included.

James Armitage was born at Hyde, Cheshire and enlisted locally. Posted to the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, he was killed in action on 2 September 1918.

The following notice appeared in the North Cheshire Herald and Hyde, Glossop and Dunkinfield Weekly News on 28 September 1918, under the headline “Son Follows Father”:

‘Many friends in Hyde and Flowery Field will learn with sincere regret of the death of Private James Armitage, who was killed in action on 2nd inst. He was the elder son of Corporal H. Armitage, late of 43 Cross Street, Hyde, and of Mrs. Armitage, at present residing at Longsight, having left Hyde a few months ago. Her husband was killed in action on August 2nd 1917, so that within thirteen months father and son have made the supreme sacrifice in defence of their country ... She received official notice last Tuesday of her son’s death. Private James Armitage, who had only recently attained his 19th year, had been in the army over twelve months and in France about nine months. He was born at Hyde and attended St. George’s Sunday School. Up to joining the Colours he was employed as a hoist minder at Ashton Bros.’ top factory, Flowery Field. Not having received any message from him for four weeks, Mrs. Armitage had got very anxious about her son, and, unfortunately her worst fears were realised.’

James Armitage is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial; photographs of the relevant panel are included.