Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1300 S. Mjr. S. H. Cleall, M.P.S.C.) contact marks, very fine £40-60

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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Sydney Herbert Cleall was born in East Coker, Yeovil, Somerset. A Groom by occupation, he attested for the Grenadier Guards on 17 October 1893, aged 19 years, 10 months. Gaining the rank of Sergeant in April 1898, he served in South Africa, March 1900-May 1902, for which he was awarded the Q.S.A. with three clasps and the K.S.A. with two. Transferred to the Military Provost Staff Corps in September 1902, he was promoted to Sergeant-Major in September 1909. Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. in 1912. Served in Hong Kong, October 1911-December 1913. Commissioned an Instructor and Lieutenant in the 6th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers, 25 August 1914. Served in Gallipoli (Sulva Bay), 12 July-30 October 1915; Serbia, November-December 1915; Salonika, December 1915-August 1916 (twice mentioned in despatches), and Malta, August-October 1916. In England he was attached to the Road Troops Depot, R.E. in March 1917; seconded to the Royal Flying Corps as Equipment Officer in May 1917. Promoted to Captain and Quartermaster in the Royal Irish Fusiliers in July 1917 and to Captain and Adjutant in the R.F.C. in September 1917. Appointed Temporary Major (2 i/c) in the R.F.C., July-August 1918. After being restored to the establishment as Captain and Quartermaster in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, attached 1st Depot M.G.C. in December 1919, Cleall was placed on Half Pay on account of ill health in September 1922. Entitled to 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. With a quantity of copied service papers.