Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private J. H. Balkham, Rifle Brigade

1914 Star, with copy clasp (3900 Pte. J. Balkham. 2/Rif: Brig.); British War and Victory Medals (3900 Pte. J. H. Balkham. Rif. Brig.) good very fine (3) £70-£90

John Henry Balkham enlisted in the Rifle Brigade on 7 September 1910 and served in France with the 2nd Battalion from 7 November 1914. Discharged 23 July 1915, he was issued Silver War Badge ‘15402’ on 18 October 1916. His death later caught the attention of the Eastbourne Herald on 27 June 1970:

‘40 Years at the Wheel.
The death occurred last week of Mr. John Henry Balkham, aged 79, of 3 Fairlight-road, an Eastbourne taxi driver for more than 40 years. Following service in the Rifle Brigade in the First World War, Mr. Balkham, who sustained a foot injury in a French battle, came home to Eastbourne and became a taxi driver. For many years he operated from a rank outside the Queen’s Hotel.’

Sold with contemporary cap badge by J. R. Gaunt and two white metal shoulder titles.