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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 732

(x) A Great War M.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 T. E. Stark, Royal Field Artillery

Military Medal, G.V.R. (11549 Sjt. T. E. Stark. R.F.A.); 1914 Star, clasp (11549 Cpl. T. Stark. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (11549 W.O.Cl.2 T. E. Stark. R.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (1026030 Sjt. T. E. Stark. R.F.A.), good very fine (5)

M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919.

Thomas Edwin Stark was born at Plumstead, Kent in May 1885. He was first employed as a Boy Carpenter with the Royal Artillery at Woolwich from July 1900, being posted to the 1st Depot Battery. Taking his Wheeler's Certificate in March 1904, he was appointed Bombardier in April 1911 and embarked with No. 9 Ammunition Column for India in February 1914. Whilst there, Stark was posted to 14th Battery, 4th Brigade in April and accompanied them when they proceeded to France. He landed at Marseilles in October 1914 and was promoted Sergeant by December 1914. A Battery Sergeant-Major by July 1915, he returned home to be married at Christ Church, Battersea in November 1915.

Posted to 19th Divisional Ammunition Column (3rd Section) in November 1916, he remained with that unit for the remainder of the Great War and earned his M.M. whilst with them - his residence being noted as Belgravia. Awarded his L.S. & G.C. as per AO 177 of April 1921, Stark was discharged in October 1920. Captain Foote gave him a glowing reference:

'...During the German attack at Soissons he was Acting-Sgt. Major & at one period was the only Senior NCO I had. He always carried out the duties in an excellent manner either as BSM or a Section Sgt. He is a most capable organiser, hardworking and first rate hose manager. His steadiness under fire & during "nasty" moments was always a fine example to all the men.'

He was latterly employed as an Assistant Foreman in the Quantity Surveyor's Department at the Royal Arsenal and died in Eltham on 12 June 1973.

Sold together with a good original archive including a series of photographs, documents, Warrants and letters, besides various research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£500

Starting price
£210