Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private J. B. Billson, 2nd Battalion, Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, who was born in Maryland, U.S.A. and was killed in action on 20 October 1914 - one of the first U.S. citizens killed in the Great War

1914 Star, with clasp (12318 Pte. J. A. Billson, 2/Notts & Derby R.); British War and Victory Medals (12318 Pte. J. B. Bilson, Notts & Derby R) note slight differences in naming; together with memorial plaque (John Bradburn Bilson); named illuminated memorial scroll, all contained in a contemporary fitted oak, glazed display frame, nearly extremely fine (4)
£500-600

John Bradburn Bilson was born in Alleghanny, Maryland, U.S.A., his family having emigrated there so that his father (a miner) could work in the expanding Maryland coal mining industry. Returning some years later he lived in Creswell, Nottinghamshire.

He was killed in action at Ennetieres on 20 October 1914, whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, after the British lines had been under constant attack for some 48 hours. The 2nd Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment suffered three officers killed, three wounded, ten captured and 710 other ranks killed, captured and taken prisoner in this action, after which the battalion mustered just four officers and 253 other ranks. Private Billson has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial.