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Auction: 20002 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Space Exploration
Lot: 393

Four: Captain W. G. Vivian, Royal Artillery, who died of wounds in North Africa on 5 May 1943 whilst in German hands

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, in O.H.M.S. box of issue named to 'Mrs B. Vivian, 29, Green Lane, Hove Edge, Brighouse, Yorks', with full length ribbons and packets of issue, extremely fine (4)

William Graham Vivian was born in April 1914 at Sculcoates, the son of George William Vivian and Eleanor Graham of Upper Carr House, Liversedge, Yorkshire. Educated at Bradford Grammar School, Vivian took employment at the family-owned manufacturers Firths, based at Bailiff Bridge. Their landmark factory was internationally renowned at that time for producing the finest axminster carpets, meeting the needs of the high-end motor trade and cruise ships - which later included the QE2. A Territorial before the war, he lived with his wife Beryl at 'Maycliffe', Swincliffe, Gomersal, near Leeds (1938 West Yorkshire Electoral Register, refers).

Posted to North Africa, Vivian served as Officer Commanding No. 111 Battery, 30th Field Regiment, 5th Corps, part of the 1st Army. Reported as missing in action on 30 April 1943, it was later confirmed in a contemporary press cutting that he had died from wounds whilst in German hands. Posthumously Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 27 January 1944, refers), his widow later moved to Hipperholme, near Halifax; sold with two contemporary newspaper cuttings which include a small image of the recipient, and a typed letter from the War Office, dated 22 June 1944, acknowledging receipt of a letter from Mrs Vivian and explaining that the only two awards which could be awarded posthumously are the Victoria Cross and a Mention in Despatches.


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Sold for
£150

Starting price
£70

Sale 20002 Notices
Now accompanied by the original Mention in Despatches certificate.