Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private W. J. Roberts, 5th (Territorial) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, who was wounded in action during operations on the River Selle in October 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (241160 Pte. W. Roberts. 5/Devon: R.); British War and Victory Medals (241160 Pte. W. Roberts. Devon. R.) minor edge bruising and contact marks, very fine (3) £200-£240

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore.

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M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1919

William John Roberts was born in Buckfastleigh, Devon in 1896. A Packer in the Serge Factory at Buckfastleigh he enlisted in the 5th (Territorial) Battalion Devonshire Regiment on 6 December 1915. Joining the 1/5th Battalion stationed at Lahore, India in 1916 he latter embarked with his battalion at Bombay on 22 March 1917 to join the Egypt Expeditionary Force. During 1917-18 they advanced into Palestine taking part in the actions at Sampson’s Ridge, Umbrella Hill, Burkha, Pimple Hill and Berukin before being withdrawn to take part in the final actions of 1918 in France, where they assisted in the attack down the Ardre Valley in July 1918, repulsing the counter attack at Havrincourt and capturing the trenches at Beaurevoir and Plaisir in September.

Roberts received a gun shot wound to his left arm during operations on the River Selle in October 1918 and was invalided home. His Military Medal is gazetted for France and will have been awarded for his service during this time. He subsequently received a 30% Disability Pension for life due to the injuries to his arm. Returning to his employment with the CWS Woolen Mills at Buckfastleigh, later becoming Foreman, he is recorded as being a member of the local ARP in Buckfastleigh during the Second World War. A keen member of the Buckfastleigh Cricket Club he played for them from 1921 through to 1940. He died in the local hospital on the 8 September 1976, aged 80.

Sold with the recipient’s riband bar; and copied research.