Four: Private C. Atkinson, Seaforth Highlanders

1914 Star (1331 Pte., Sea. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (1331 Pte., Seaforths); French Croix de Guerre 1914-1918, mounted as worn, official but later naming in small capitals, good very fine (4) £60-80

Charles Atkinson first entered the French theatre of war on 15 September 1914, as a Private in the 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. In February 1917, however, he deserted, afterwards enlisting in the Royal Garrison Artillery under the alias ‘Albert Bloxham’ (his dual MIC entries refer). The same source also contains assorted references to his awards having been forfeited, but in July 1941 he was issued with another trio; he does not appear to have been gazetted for the French Croix de Guerre.