Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Gunner W. A. Staff, Royal Garrison Artillery, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Essigny le Grand on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, 21 March 1918

1914-15 Star (45387. Gnr. W. A. Staff. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (45387 Gnr. W. A. Staff. R.A.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Malabar 1921-22 (1410512 Gnr. W. A. Staff. R.A.); War Medal 1939-45; Defence Medal, mounted as worn in this order, light contact marks, generally good very fine (6) £160-£200

William Arthur Staff was born in Great Yarmouth in 1896 and attested for the Royal Garrison Artillery on 12 October 1914. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 30 December 1915, and was captured and taken prisoner of war at Essigny le Grand on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, 21 March 1918. Repatriated following the cessation of hostilities, he was subsequently posted to the 10th Pack Battery, R.G.A., in India, ands took part in the suppression of the Moplah Rebellion in Malabar in October 1921. He was discharged on 11 October 1926, but saw further service during the Second World War at home with the 9th (Norfolk) Group, National Defence Companies (later the 8th (Home Defence) Battalion, and the 30th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment) from August 1939.