Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 319

A rare Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Corporal E. Holway, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who was decorated for bravery during the Battle for Aveluy Wood and was twice wounded on the Western Front

Military Medal, G.V.R. (Ply-1093 S L.Cpl. E. Holway. 1/R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Ply. 1093-S-Pte. E. Holway. R.M.L.I.), good very fine (3)

M.M. London Gazette 6 August 1918.

Ernest Holway was born on 30 March 1891 at Halifax, the second son of Orsini and Winifred Holway of 7 Carlton Court. Having worked as an overlooker in a cloth mill, Holway enlisted at Manchester for the Plymouth Division, Royal Marine Light Infantry, on 14 September 1915. Posted to the 1st Battalion, Holway initially served with the Mespotamia Expeditionary Force from 20 February-24 April 1916, before transferring to France and witnessing extensive service on the Western Front.

It was on 29 September 1916 that he suffered a gunshot wound to the left arm and on 26 October 1917 he received a second gunshot wound to the left hand. Recovered, Holway saw action in the Spring of 1918 in Aveluy Wood as the Allies attempted to repel Operation Michael. On 5 April 1918 his Battalion fought a desperate counter-attack in an attempt to regain control of the wood which held strategic value above the floodplain of the River Ancre, and it was here that he would earn his M.M. (Their Majesties' Jollies, Medals Awarded to the Royal Marines, refers).

Having survived further extensive fighting at Logeast Wood and on the railway line north of Achiet-le-Grand, Holway was demobilised on 4 February 1919. He returned home to Halifax where he died on 10 September 1949, leaving effects of £1454 6s. 5d. to his widow, Amy; sold with copied service record and research.


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£850

Starting price
£480