Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

A Great War M.M. group of three to Private G. Draper, East Lancashire Regiment

Military Medal, G.V.R. (202604 Dmr., 4/E. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (5525 Pte., E. Lan. R.) nearly extremely fine (3) £300-350

M.M. London Gazette 27 June 1918.

Draper was a native of Burnley, Lancashire. The Burnley News of 26 October 1918 reported, ‘Today’s Presentations. Several presentations of the Military Medals won by Burnley soldiers will be publicly made today by the Major (Aldeman Sinclair). Private Gilbert Draper, of 1 Oghtenhill Park Lane, will be one of the recipients. The honour was conferred upon him in April “for gallantry, carrying away wounded soldiers, whilst under enemy fire.” Private Draper who is 21 years of age, and joined the Army in April 1915. He went on active service in September 1916. Prior to enlistment he was a weaver in the employ of messrs. Cowpe, Whittlefield, and his name is on the Roll of Honour at the Holy Trinity Church and school.’