Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Sergeant J. Lightfoot, Manchester Regiment

1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (3519407 Sjt. J. Lightfoot. Manch. R.) mounted court-style for display, good very fine (5) £60-£80

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Robert Barltrop Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment.

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Jack Lightfoot was born on 6 August 1908 at Middlewich, Cheshire, and attested for service as a ‘Boy’ soldier on 7 February 1924, at 15 years of age. He was initially posted to the Regimental Depot at Ashton Under Lyne, and then briefly to 1st Battalion prior being posted to 2nd Battalion for service in India. He was appointed ‘Bandsman’ on 8 August 1926. In October 1932 his battalion moved to Khartoum, returning to the U.K. in December 1933, and he was discharged at Strenshall in February 1936 ‘time expired’. In 1937 he re-enlisted in the 5th (Territorial) Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment, but by 25 October had re-enlisted in the Regular Army. He was posted to 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment and in September embarked for Cherbourg to join the B.E.F.

Lightfoot was one of those who managed to escape to Dunkirk and arrived back in the U.K. on 31 May 1940. Later in the War, his battalion served in India and Burma. He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 31 December 1944. On returning to the U.K. he was posted to the Central School of Artistes, and then to the Combined Services Entertainment Central Depot. He was discharged and again transferred to the Army Reserve on 27 October 1949. He resided at Havant, Hampshire, and died in 1973.

Sold with copied service records and research notes.