Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Battle of the Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private H. S. B. Belton, 12th (2nd South Downs) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, for his gallantry during the operations near the Schwaben Redoubt and during the attack on Stuff Trench, near Thiepval, between 17 and 22 October 1916

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1655 Pte. H. S. B. Belton. 12/R. Suss: R.); British War and Victory Medals (1655 Pte. H. S. B. Belton. R. Suss. R.) edge bruise to MM, staining to VM, otherwise very fine or better (3) £260-£300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Small Collection of Great War Medals to the Royal Sussex Regiment.

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M.M. London Gazette 5 January 1917.

The original recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty between 17th and 22nd October 1916 near Thiepval. Private Bolton showed great devotion to duty during the operations near the Schwaben Redoubt and during the attack on Stuff Trench. Hardly an hour elapsed without the cable communication between the Brigade and Battalions being broken by shell fire. This man worked day and night throughout an almost continuous bombardment, and by his great devotion to duty, succeeded in mending the cable under very great difficulty. It was generally owing to the efforts of Private Belton and his fellow signallers that touch was kept with the Battalions in the front line.’

Henry Scott Butler Belton was born in Worthing, Sussex, in 1888 and attested there for the Royal Sussex Regiment on 9 November 1914. Posted to the 12th (2nd South Downs) Battalion, he served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 4 March 1916, and was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during the Battle of the Somme. He was posted to the 11th (1st South Downs) Battalion on 8 February 1918, before transferring to the 1st battalion, Worcestershire Regiment on 18 June 1918, and was appointed Lance-Corporal on 16 August 1918. He was discharged to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 2 April 1919.

Sold with a Borough of Worthing Certificate of Honour, named to the recipient, and copied research.