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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 145

A well-documented M.M. group of four awarded to Lance Sergeant C. F. Cowper, 5th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Military Medal, G.V.R. (11376 L.Sjt: C. F. Cowper. 5/Shrops: L.I.); 1914-15 Star (11376 Cpl. C. F. Cowper. Shrops: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (11376 Cpl. C. F. Cowper. Shrops. L.I.), with M.I.D. oak leaves, very fine (4)

Provenance:
Bosleys, March 2002.

M.M. London Gazette 27 October 1916.

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 November 1915.

Frederick Charles Cowper was born in 1891 and enlisted with the Shropshire Light Infantry on 30 August 1914. He entered the war in France on 22 May 1915 and was present for the Battalion's attack on Bellewaerde during the Battle of Hooge on 25 September 1915. He was awarded a Divisional Gallantry card for his role in the Battle, a letter written by his battalion commander states:

'I am requested by the G.O.C. 14th Light Division to forward you the enclosed "Meritorious Card" and to convey his congratulations to you on your gallant acts in the engagement near Hooge on the 25th September 1915.

I also wish to express my hearty congratulations, and trust you will have a speedy recovery from your wounds.'

His 'mention' was gazetted not long later, suggesting that it was also for his work during the early action of 1915. Cowper continued to serve with the Battalion, winning his M.M. for the heavy fighting at the Somme Offensive. They saw fighting in August around Delville Wood and Fricourt before leaving the front and returning in September for attacks on Gueudecourt and Albert, Cowper's award is likely the result of the former.

Surviving the fighting he was demobilised on 7 February 1919, touchingly his comrades raised a subscription to buy him a gift upon his discharge; sold together with copied research and an archive of original material comprising:

i)
Certificate of demobilisation.

ii)
Slip of issue for the 1914-15 Star.

iii)
Divisional card for 'Gallant and Meritorious Service' along with a letter from his commanding officer.

iv)
M.I.D. certificate.

v)
A letter from 'No 2 Squad, A Company 3rd K.S.L.I.' thanking the recipient for his service and noting that they had subscribed to buy him a 'small gift as a token of our best respects'.

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Estimate
£400 to £600

Starting price
£320