Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Battle of Ancre’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant W. G. Longthorne, 1/1st Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2731 Cpl. W. G. Longthorne. 1/1 Herts: R. - T.F.); 1914 Star, with clasp (2731 Pte. H. G. [sic] Longthorne. 1/1 Herts: R.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (2731 W.O. Cl. 2. W. G. Longthorne. Herts. R.) mounted for display, generally very fine or better (4) £400-£500

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 2004.

M.M. London Gazette 19 February 1917.

William G. Longthorne came from Rickmansworth and, according to records held at Hertford County Record Office, won the M.M. for the attack on the Hansa Line, near Beaumont Mill, during the battle of the Ancre, 13th-14th November 1916. The recommendation states: ‘Sergeant Longthorne was in command of a Platoon during the attack. He showed excellent leadership and initiative in collecting men who had got mixed up with other units in the fog, and leading them to the assault on the final objective.’

M.I.D. unconfirmed.