Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Corporal D. McKnight, Royal Irish Rifles
1914-15 Star (11034. Pte.-A.Sjt- D. McKnight, R. Ir. Rif.); British War and Victory Medals (11034 Cpl. D. McKnight. R. Ir. Rif.) very fine

Pair: Corporal R. G. Bryans, Irish Guards
British War and Victory Medals (9947 Cpl. R. G. Bryans. Ir. Gds.) good very fine (5) £80-£100

David McKnight was born in Belfast around 1894 and attested for the Royal Irish Rifles in his home city on 27 August 1914. Posted to the 6th Battalion as Rifleman, he served with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force from 10 July 1915 and was raised Acting Sergeant 16 October 1915. Transferred to France, he reverted to Corporal in consequence of drunkenness 25 March 1916, and was later severely reprimanded on 28 July 1916 for ‘being in Staff Sergts. Mess and obtaining drink under false pretences.’

Transferred to the Labour Corps in January 1918 in consequence of defective vision, McKnight ended his service with Northern Command employed in a variety of duties, including guarding shipyards. He likely returned home to his wife and three children in Belfast upon demobilisation in 1919.

Sold with copied service record.

Robert George Bryans was born in Feyduff, Middletown, Armagh, around 1895, and attested for the Irish Guards at Caterham Barracks on 20 October 1915. Transferred to the Machine Gun Company, 1st Guards Brigade, he disembarked at Havre on 27 September 1916 and was raised unpaid Lance Corporal in the field 2 October 1917. Advanced Corporal 28 September 1918, his Army Service Record notes that he was wounded at duty on 14 November 1918, some three days after the Armistice. Transferred to Pirbright Camp, he was discharged in the spring of 1919.