Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas (Part I)

The Great War M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant H. B. Briddon, Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, late Dorset Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (13599 Pte. H. B. Briddon Dorset: R.); British War Medal (Lieut. H. B. Briddon. R.N.V.R.) mounted for display, good very fine (3) £700-£900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

View
Collection

M.C. London Gazette 15 October 1918:

‘T./Sub-Lt. Harold Barton Briddon, R.N.V.R.
For remarkable daring in a raid. He led his party through a difficult belt of wire and, approaching from the flank, dashed into the enemy position. They were standing to, and showed fight, but he attacked them single-handed, and after killing several succeeded in capturing a light machine gun, which was about to be turned on to the raiding party. Continuing along the trench, he killed two more of the enemy, and after a struggle captured a third, thus securing an important identification.’

Harold Barton Briddon served as a Private in the Dorset Regiment in the Blkans from 15 October 1915. He was commissioned on 25 April 1917, and entered the Royal Naval Division in June 1917 from No. 7 Officer’s Cadet Battalion. He joined Drake Battalion in August 1917 and was severely wounded by a gun shot to the right hip. Rejoined Drake Battalion in France in April 1918.