An exceptional Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant G. Thomas, 10th (Scottish) Battalion, Liverpool Regiment, who whilst serving in the capacity of Battalion Cook Corporal, held up an enemy advance by some eighteen hours inflicting heavy casualties

Military Medal, G.V.R. (355307 Cpl., 1/10 L’pool. R.-T.F.); 1914 Star (2714 Pte., 10/L’pool. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2714 Sjt., L’pool. R.) generally good very fine or better (4) £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to the Liverpool Regiment from the Collection of Hal Giblin.

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M.M. London Gazette 19 March 1918.

The following recommendation, which was originally meant for the award of a D.C.M. is extracted from the records of the 55th Division. A photocopy of the relevant page is included with the lot:

‘For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Limerick Post near Epehy on 30 November 1917. During a critical period in the defence of a strong point this N.C.O., the battalion Cook Corporal, although wounded, went forward alone up a communication trench and with bombs and rifle kept large numbers of the enemy at bay until a block could be constructed to his rear. He inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. He then organized the defence of the block and successfully repulsed many determined assaults. His bravery undoubtedly enabled the strong point to delay the enemy advance for 18 hours.’

Corporal George Thomas was a native of Walton, Liverpool. He attested for the army on 30 August 1913 and volunteered for overseas service on 5 August 1914. He proceeded overseas with the original draft of the battalion on 1 November 1914 aboard the Maidan.