Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Driver J. T. Leadbitter, Royal Field Artillery, who forfeited his medals in 1924 after becoming a little light fingered with his postbag

British War and Victory Medals (167742 Dvr. J. T. Leadbitter. R.A.) very fine (2) £60-£80

John Thomas Leadbitter was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1898, and served overseas with the Royal Field Artillery from 15 May 1916. Re-enlisting under Army Order IV. of 1918, he served a further period with No. 22 Brigade from 7 January 1919 to 11 November 1919, but was discharged due to sickness and returned home to Newcastle where he found employment with the General Post Office. His MIC subsequently notes: ‘medals forfeited... re conviction by civil power 12.5.24.’

The Londonderry Sentinel of 2 February 1924 adds a little more detail:
‘John Thomas Leadbitter, postman, and Joseph Shafto, riveter, both of Janet-street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, were sent for trial by the Newcastle magistrates, the former charged with stealing postal packets and the latter with receiving.’ Having plead guilty at the Newcastle Assizes, the Londonderry Sentinel of 1 March 1924 confirms that Leadbitter was incarcerated for nine months.