A Great War M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant F. E. Arnell, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.V.R. (17550 Sjt. F. E. Arnell, 47/Sge. By. R.G.A.); 1914-15 Star (17550 Cpl. F. E. Arnell, R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (17550 Sjt. F. E. Arnell, R.A.), mounted as worn, contact marks, thus nearly very fine or better (4) £250-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The John Chidzey Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1917.

The original recommendation states:

‘On 4 June 1917, when one man had been killed and four men wounded by a heavy shell which fell near to their position, this N.C.O., with great dash and disregard of danger, went to the place, bound up three of the men and carried one to safety on a stretcher, although several shells were falling in the vicinity. He has on previous occasions displayed great coolness and courage.’

Frank Arnell first entered the French theatre of war in November 1915. The following entry for him appears in the National Roll of the Great War:

‘He volunteered in August 1914 and in the following year was sent to France with the 47th Siege Battery. He took part in the Battles of Ypres, Messines, Vimy Ridge, Arras and the Somme, and was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry at Messines Ridge. He later fought with the 503rd Siege Battery at Cambrai, and was twice wounded. He was demobilised in December 1918 (22 Methuen Street, Bevois Town, Southampton).’

Sold with a signed hand written copy of the recommendation for his M.M., dated 9 June 1917, and related congratulatory field message.