Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Second Lieutenant B. C. Banks, Durham Light Infantry, formerly Northern Cyclist Battalion, killed in action in the attack on the Butte de Warlincourt, on 5 November 1916

British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.); Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (2 Lieut., Durh. L.I.), mounted for wear, nearly extremely fine (3) £500-600

Second Lieutenant Bertie Charleton Banks was born in the Parish of South Wingate in Hartlepool, Co. Durham and was employed as a Clerk with Londonderry Collieries Ltd in Seaham Harbour. He attested for service in the Northern Cyclist Battalion in October 1913, aged 20 years, 10 months, and served in the ranks of that unit until September 1915 when he was commissioned into the Durham Light Infantry. 2nd Lieutenant Banks, 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, was killed in action on 5 November 1916, in the attack on the Butte de Warlincourt during the latter stages of the battle of the Somme. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Sold with a quantity of copied research, including extracts from the war diaries, service papers, correspondence and m.i.c. Also with a copied extract from the Newcastle Chronicle, 17 November 1916, which states,’... A letter has since been received from the officer commanding the battalion, stating that he had come across a man who was with 2/Lt. Banks in the attack, and the man reported that the Lieutenant was shot through the head and died at once. ...’ Only 21 Territorial War Medals are believed to have been awarded to D.L.I. officers.