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Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 932

A pre-war veteran’s ‘Battle of the Somme’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant S. G. White, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, who was later killed in action on 9 June 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (8485 Sjt: S. G. White. 2/Devon:R.), polished, minor contact wear, very fine

M.M. London Gazette 1 September 1916.

Sydney George White was born at Ottery St. Mary, Devon in July 1889, the son of Robert and Eliza White of Newton Poppleford, Aylesbeare, Devon. Enlisting at Exeter he was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment during the 1911 census as a Private. White was still serving in this rank upon the outbreak of the Great War and entered the war in France on 6 November 1914.

This Battalion served through 1915 later going into action during the First Day of the Somme on 1 July 1916 at Ovillers. Leaving the line after the tragedy of the 'First Day' they were not in action again until October when they joined the front around Le Transloy, again seeing heavy fighting. There are no details given for White’s award of the M.M. however given the date of the award it is very likely that it was for the fighting on the Somme.

Promoted Sergeant at some stage prior to his award he continued to serve with the 2nd Battalion. He was still with them on 9 June 1917 when the Battalion was still positioned in the Somme Valley. Here White was killed in action and buried at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

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Sold for
£520

Starting price
£80