Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. group of four to Warrant Officer Class 2 G. Osborne, Northumberland Fusiliers, who died as a prisoner-of-war

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed, in case of issue; 1914-15 Star (4-1107 Cpl., North’d. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (4-1107 W.O. Cl. 2, North’d. Fus.) extremely fine (7) £1200-1500

M.C. London Gazette 27 July 1916. ‘For conspicuous gallantry on numerous occasions, notably when he successfully carried out a dangerous reconnaissance of a mine crater and hostile bombing post.’

George Osborne was born in Ainstable, Cumberland and enlisted at Newburn-on-Tyne. Serving with the 1/4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 20 April 1915 and was awarded the Military Cross. Later, with the same unit, he was wounded and captured by the Germans. He died as a prisoner-of-war in Nürnburg on 24 June 1918, aged 29 years.

Sold with an original letter, dated 6 August 1918, from the the British Red Cross informing his mother, Mrs P. S. Osborne of Newburn-on-Tyne, of his death in Germany. Also with a handwritten letter, dated 26 July 1918, from fellow prisoner Private A. V. Watson, to Mrs Osborne informing her of her son’s peaceful passing. Together with three sports medals (one named) and copied research.