Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 240

Three: Private G. W. Herson, 15th (1st Leeds) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own), who was killed in action on the First Day of the Somme

1914-15 Star (21044 Pte. G. W. Herson, W. York:R,); British War and Victory Medals (21044 Pte. G. W. Herson. W. York. R.), mounted for display, minor contact wear overall, very fine (3)

George William Herson was born at Leeds, Yorkshire in 1891, the son of William and Ada Herson of 13 Cabul Place, Leeds. Enlisting with the 9th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) at Leeds, Herson entered the war in Gallipoli on 19 September 1915 likely with a batch of drafts which arrived 19-20 September. Here they served on the Suvla Bay part of the line until 18 December when they were evacuated upon the Magnificent to Imbros.

Arriving in France to join 15th (1st Leeds) Battalion- also called the 'Leeds Pals', Herson was part of the assault upon Serre during the First Day of the Somme. The 15th Battalion suffered heavily during this attack, firstly from artillery and later- when the survivors advanced they began trapped upon the German wire. Herson was killed during the fighting, his body never recovered, and is commemorated upon the Thiepval Memorial; sold together with a later miniature Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (George William Herson) and 15th (Leeds Pals) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) cap badge along copied research including Commonwealth War details, 1901 census information and M.I.C. as well as extracts from British Regiments at Gallipoli and British Battalions on the Somme with maps detailing the attack on Serre.

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

Sold for
£480

Starting price
£270