A scarce ‘double issue’ group of four awarded to Private W. Backhouse, 13th (County of London) Battalion (Princess Louise’s Kensington Battalion), London Regiment, and British Red Cross, who was awarded an Italian War Cross for services in Italy

1914 Star (1373 Pte. W. Backhouse. 1/13 Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (1373 Pte. W. Backhouse. 13-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (W. Backhouse. B.R.C. & St. J.J.); Italy, Kingdom, War Cross, V.E.III.R., bronze, unnamed as issued; together with the recipient’s Silver War Badge, the reverse officially numbered ‘18367’, nearly extremely fine (6) £100-£140

William Backhouse was born in Willesden, Middlesex, on 10 July 1895 and attested for the 13th (County of London) Battalion (Princess Louise’s Kensington Battalion) on 23 January 1913. Mobilised on 4 August 1914, he served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 3 November to 15 December 1914, taking part in the battles of Mons, the Marne, and the Aisne. Invalided home, he was discharged due to sickness on 27 May 1915, being awarded a Silver War Badge no. 18367. He later joined the British Red Cross Society, and served with the in Italy from 13 February 1918 until the cessation of hostilities. For his services in Italy he was awarded the Italian War Cross.

Sold with the recipient’s Character Certificate and Particulars of Service; Discharge Certificate; War Badge Certificate; Record Office enclosure for the 1914 Star; British Red Cross Society enclosure for the British War and Victory Medals; a folded and torn Bestowal Certificate for the Italian War Cross; and copied research.