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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 212

(x) A Great War group of six to Sergeant E. Porter, Royal Engineers, late Suffolk Regiment, a talented signaller who was decorated for his services as a telegraphist

1914-15 Star (65411 Sjt. E. G. Porter. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals 1914-18 (65411 Sjt. E. G. Porter. R.E.); Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st type (Edward George Porter.); Coronation 1937; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (107 Sjt: E. G. Porter. 5/Suff: Regt.), mounted court-style, very fine (6)

I.S.M. London Gazette 2 November 1937.

Edward George Porter was born at Southwold, Suffolk in 1878, the son of a policeman. His family lived at the Police House on Southwold's High Street. The 1891 census shows him as a 13 year old telegraph messenger, this being the start of a life-long connection with the Post Office. He married Annie Fraser of Southwold on 1 October 1900, fathering three children. In April 1908 the Volunteer Battalions were reorganised as Territorial Battalions, and he joined 'H' Company, 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, based at Newmarket. An excellent shot, he won the 1912 Ryan Memorial Trophy. He enlisted into the Royal Engineers at Chatham on 25 January 1915, his experience of telegraphy qualifying him as a signaller. Assigned to the 35th Signal Company, he was promoted to Corporal on 26 January 1915 and Sergeant on 31 May that year. He was wounded during an accident on 3 December 1917, the medical report noting:

'Whilst descending into a mine dug-out this N.C.O. slipped and fell. Pliers worn by him on his belt penetrated his back.'

Porter was discharged on 27 January 1919, his conduct described as 'very good'. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 24 February, returning to Southwold and gaining civilian employment as a Sorting Clerk and Telegraphist. In 1937 his service was recognised by the award of the Imperial Service Medal; sold with copied service papers and research, original bestowal certificates for the 1937 Coronation Medal and Imperial Service Medal, a signed Royal Engineers demobilisation certificate, and Porter's silver Ryan Memorial Trophy shooting medal, engraved with his name.

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Sold for
£120

Starting price
£110