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Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 516

Three: Lieutenant E. T. W. Wells, Lancashire Fusiliers, late Petty Officer Mechanic, Royal Naval Air Service, Armoured Cars & Aeroplane Section, who kept a fine photographic archive of his service

1914-15 Star (F.1889. E. T. W. Wells, P.O.M., R.N.A.S.); British War Medal 1914-20 (2. Lieut. E. T. W. Wells); Victory Medal 1914-19 (F.1889 E. T. W. Wells. A.M.1. R.N.A.S.), mounted as worn, last frayed and detached, nearly very fine (3)

Edward Thomas William Wells was born on 7 June 1897 and was a motor engineer apprentice living in Hounslow, Middlesex upon the outbreak of the Great War. He lied about his birthday (stating 2 June 1895) upon his enlistment in the Royal Naval Air Service on 26 October 1914. Wells served in France with the Armoured Cars Section from 6 April-2 August 1915, before transferring to the Aeroplane Section and serving with the Eastern Mediterranean Force from 28 August 1915-22 December 1916. Given leave home, Wells was thence sent to the Machine Gun Corps Officer's Cadet Battalion, being commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers on 29 August 1917. He saw further active service in India attached to the South Lancashire and East Surrey Regiments, before being promoted Lieutenant on 1 March 1919 at the Machine Gun Centre at Mhow. He was demobilised on 4 February 1920.

Sold together with a notable archive of original material comprising:

(i)
His two Officer's Record of Service.

(ii)
Houghtons & Son 'Ensignette' camera (Patent 28464 of 1907), understood to have provided the images for the photograph album. The album covering the career of the recipient, with a plethora of images of comrades, local scenes and military scenes.

(iii)
Special Constabulary Long Service, G.V.R., named to 'Edward W. Wells', the father of the recipient, together with Vimy.Arras.Ypres Bronze Medallion and his Will.

(iv)
His hip flask, together with dress studs.

(v)
A number of larger-scale group photographs, including framed RNAS EM Squadron HQ Christmas cartoon.

(vi)
'Throwing knife', in leather sheath.

(vii)
A superbly carved large wooden box, for The Lancashire Fusiliers, with regimental crest and dragons surrounding it, the inner with further carved dragons and the initials 'E.T.W.W.' interwoven.

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Sold for
£450

Starting price
£320