Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 733

Pair: Private F. C. B. James, 1/7th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)

British War and Victory Medals (203885 Pte. F. C. B. James. Midd'x R.), good very fine (2)

Frederick Charles Beddos James was born at Brynmawr, Breconshire, Wales on 21 August 1888, the son of William and Jane James. His father worked as Station Master at Barry Dock Station and must have moved his family to the town as the younger James found work as a Clerk for an oil merchant in Barry. Attesting on 11 December 1915 James was not mobilised until 28 February 1917, entering the war in France on 22 May 1917.

The Battalion was heavily engaged during the Battle of Polygon Wood, launching an attack on 16 August 1917 which saw heavy losses including the Battalion Commander who was seriously wounded. They were later sent into action at Cambrai and was in the line during the German Spring Offensive.

In and out of the front line throughout 1918 James was unlucky to have been wounded late in the war sometime around 26 September, one of six in that period. Returning to Barry Island after demobilisation James lived at 32 Caradoc Avenue, continuing to work for an oil merchant. Later moving to Hounslow, London and after that Wallasey, Wirral he died there in 1964; sold together with a typed biography and an original silver cigarette case with a bullet hole in it, reputed to have saved the recipient's life.

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

Sold for
£95

Starting price
£20