Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore

Four: Sergeant F. M. Williams, 8th (Service) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, who was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded an Immediate Meritorious Service Medal for his services in Italy; later enlisting in the Royal Air Force, he died of disease in India on 27 September 1920

1914-15 Star (10930 L. Cpl. F. M. Williams. Devon: R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (10930 Sjt. F. M. Williams. Devon. R.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (10930 Sjt: F. M. Williams. 8/Devon: R.) nearly extremely fine (4) £180-£220

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

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Christie’s, November 1988

M.I.D. London Gazette 18 December 1917

M.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1919:
‘For valuable service rendered with British Forces in Italy.’

Fred Morris Williams was born in Penzance, Cornwall in 1889. Enlisting into the Devonshire Regiment he was posted to the 8th (Service) Battalion. This newly-formed battalion completed training on Salisbury Plain and embarked for France on 25 July 1915. Their first action was at Loos on 25 September 1915 and they were later involved on the Somme at Mametz, High Wood and Ginchy before taking part in the attack on Bullecourt and Gheluvelt. Entraining for Italy on 18 November 1917 they saw action on the Asiago Plateau and the successful crossing of the Piave River. Sergeant Williams was finally discharged to reserve on demobilisation on 21 April 1919.

Subsequently enlisting in the Royal Air Force on 10 February 1920 and employed as Clerk ‘General’ (Typist), Williams was posted to ‘M’ Section, India on 4 May 1920. Admitted seriously ill at Station Hospital, Lahore with Sandfly Fever on 23 July 1920 and reported as dangerously ill the following month, he died at Lahore from Addison’s Disease on 27 September 1920 and is commemorated on the Karachi War Memorial.

Sold with copied RAF service record and other research.