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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 763

1914 Star (1155 Pte. G. Don. 1/6 Gord: Highrs.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (1155 Cpl. G. Don. Gordons.), together with the memorial plaque to 'George Don', very fine and better (3)

1914-15 Star (32463 Spr: G. A. E. Richardson. R.E.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (32463 Spr. G. A. E. Richardson. R.E.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, minor verdigris to star, very fine (5)

George Don served as a Private with the Gordon Highlanders in France from 10 November 1914. Promoted Corporal, he was killed in action on 9 Arpil 1917 during the 1/6th Seaforth attack near Roclincourt on the first day of the Battle of Arras, 9 April 1917.

'All went well on the left and in the centre with 'B' and 'A' Companies reaching the first German line with few casualties, and they immediately began to consolidate the newly won positions. However, on the right in 'C' Company's sector a number of Germans had got out from their trench, sought cover in shell holes to the rear, and started sniping at the Highlanders working on reversing the trench and at those still advancing in the latter waves. A number of casualties were sustained before the snipers were hunted down and killed. It was also reported that a German officer initially put up his hand to surrender but then killed two men - he was shown no mercy and was quickly despatched.'

Aged 20 and the son of Mrs M. Ligertwood (formerly Don), of Forbestown, Strathdon, Aberdeen, and the late George Don, George is buried at Highland Cemetery, Roclincourt, in the Pas de Calis, France.

George Anthony Ellershaw Richardson was born in 1887 and was married to Mary Don, the sister of George Don. He served with the Royal Engineers during the Great War and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in the Peace Gazette for service in France. He died in 1969 at Berwick-upon-Tweed; sold with copied research including MIC and C.W.G.C. details to Don and M.S.M. award notice to Richardson.

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Sold for
£130