The Kenneth Petrie Collection

A Great War 1916 ‘French theatre’ stretcher-bearer’s M.M. group of four awarded to Private F. A. Insley, 10th (Service) Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, for repeated gallantry on the Somme in July 1916, and at Grandcourt on the Aisne in October of the same year

Military Medal, G.V.R. (18515 Pte F. A. Insley. 10/Worc: R.); 1914-15 Star (18515 Pte F. A. Insley. Worc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (18515 Pte. F. A. Insley. Worc. R.) worn, good fine (4) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kenneth Petrie Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 12 March 1917.

Frank A. Insley served during the Great War with the 10th (Service) Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 19 July 1915 (entitled to Silver War Badge). Insley features in the Huddersfield War Hospital, No. 20, February 1918:
‘A similar ceremony took place at Bradley Gate on D17 December when Private Insley, A Company, 10th Worcestershire Regiment, was awarded the M.M. for good work on the Somme in July, 1916, and devotion to duty in October, 1916, at Grandcourt, on the Aisne. He was presented with the ribbon of the medal at Gezaincourt on New Year’s Day, 1917, by General Plumer.

On the night of 26 October when A Company were leaving the trenches on being relieved, the enemy began to shell them very heavily. Six were killed at once and seven wounded. Private Insley, who had already left the trench, immediately turned back and stayed out all the time with the wounded. He was regimental stretcher-bearer, and did excellent work under heavy fire all the time. In congratulating him the Colonel assured him of the great respect and admiration in which he was held by all, and he was loudly cheered by all present...’