Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An extremely rare Afghanistan 1919 operations M.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Corporal F. J. Wright, Somerset Light Infantry

Military Medal, G.V.R. (204035 Pte. - L. Cpl. F. J. Wright, 2/Som. L.I.); British War Medal 1914-20 (204035 Pte., Som. L.I.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, M.I.D. oak leaf (204035 L. Cpl., 2 Bn. Som. L.I.) the first with minor official correction to service number, and the last with single initial ‘F.’, good very fine and better (3) £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 13th Regiment and Somerset Light Infantry.

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M.M. London Gazette 15 January 1920: ‘For bravery in the field with the British forces in India.’

The recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at the action at Bagh on 11 May 1919, when in charge of the Battalion signallers he maintained communication with the various stations under heavy fire. Communication with distant stations was very difficult, but this N.C.O. by perserverance under such trying conditions succeeded in getting important messages through to Brigade Headquarters. Also at the action at Loi Dakka on the 16 and 17 May 1919 and throughout the operations he has shown conspicuous skill and devotion to duty.’

Mention in despatches London Gazette 3 August 1920: ‘For distinguished service in operations against Afghanistan.’

Francis James Wright, who was from East Ham, Essex, was serving in the Baluchistan Field Force.