A Collection of Medals to the Middlesex Regiment

Pair: Private G. C. Edwards, 16th (Public Schools) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who was killed in action on the First Day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916

British War and Victory Medals (G-2142 Pte. G. C. Edwards. Midd’x R.) extremely fine (2) £240-£280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Middlesex Regiment.

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George Charles Edwards, a stone mason, was born at Willesden around 1895 and attested for the 16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment on 10 May 1915. He served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 23 January 1916, and was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916. On this date the Battalion emerged from the front line trenches on the Somme and took part in the attack at Hawthorn Ridge, Beaumont Hamel; cut down by accurate German artillery and machine-gun fire, the 16th suffered 524 casualties, including Private Edwards. Aged 21 years, he is buried at Auchonvillers Military Cemetery, France.