Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private C. A. Skelton, 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade, who was killed in action on the Western Front on the First Day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916

1914-15 Star (S-6750 Pte. C. A. Skelton. Rif: Brig:); British War and Victory Medals (S-6750 Pte. C. A. Skelton. Rif. Brig.) good very fine (3) £260-£300

Charles Austwick Skelton was born in South Milford, Yorkshire, in 1897 and attested for the Rifle Brigade in early 1915. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 26 May 1915, and was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, whilst serving with “B” Company. On this date the Battalion, as part of the 11th Brigade, 4th Division, was involved in the attack on the Redan Ridge north of Beaumont-Hamel. Held up by enemy fire soon after leaving the trenches, they entered the German line by 10:00 a.m., but were driven back after a counter attack, and suffered total casualties of 474, including almost 200 killed. Overall the Division suffered over 4,600 all ranks killed and failed to secure any of its objectives.

Skelton was amongst those killed; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

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