Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 22102 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction VI - e-Auction
Lot: 284

Four: Lance-Sergeant W. J. King, 7th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, who was killed in action at Fricourt on the Third Day of the Somme, 3 July 1916

1914 Star (8215 Pte W. J. King. 2/ Linc :R.); British War and Victory Medals (8215 Cpl. W. J. King. Linc. R.); Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (William James King), very fine (4)

William James King was born at Wyverstone, Suffolk around 1890, prior to enlistment he was living at Gerrard's Cross, Buckinghamshire with his wife Sarah King. Attesting with the Lincolnshire Regiment at Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk; King may have done so prior to 1911 as he appears upon this census living at Victoria Barracks, Portsmouth with the rank of Lance Corporal, this King is listed as 21 years of age. There is further reference to a Private King winning a shooting competition with the 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment at Gibraltar in 1913. However by the outbreak of the Great War he was serving with the 4th (Territorial) Battalion. Transferring to 2nd Battalion, King entered the War in France on 5 November 1914, a unit which saw fierce fighting in 1915 including engagements at Neuve Chapelle and Aubers. At some Stage he was promoted Lance-Sergeant with this Battalion.

King was transferred to the 7th (Service) Battalion where he appears to have been demoted, either as a result of an infraction or by request, to the rank of Corporal. This Battalion was involved in the early stages of the Battle of the Somme as part of 51st Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division. They formed part of the Second Wave on the opening day of the Battle, relieving the 6th Battalion, Dorset Regiment outside Fricourt.

After heavy fighting on the second day they prepared for a major attack upon Railway Alley the next. Moving off at 09:00 the Battalion was part of a supporting attack upon Crucifix Trench. The attack was a success with the men of the 7th Battalion playing a key role in trapping the German troops against the advancing South Staffords. They suffered a high price for their success however losing 3 Officers and 30 other ranks killed and 6 Officers and 130 other ranks wounded or missing. King was killed in action during the fighting and is commemorated upon the Thiepval Memorial; sold together with copied research including M.I.C., Commonwealth War Graves details and casualty lists as well as a letter from the Museum of the Lincolnshire Regiment and extracts from histories relating to the regiment including the History of the Lincolnshire Regiment.

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

Sold for
£300

Starting price
£110