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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 159

Three: 2nd Lieutenant F. Critchley, South Lancashire Regiment, who originally enlisted into the Army Cyclist Corps but died of wounds on 10 April 1918

1914-15 Star (8977 Pte. F. Critchley. A. Cyclist Corps.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. F. Critchley.), minor official corrections, otherwise very fine (3)

Frank Critchley was the son of George and Sarah Critchley of 48 Willis Street, Warrington, Lancashire, he was educated at the National School and was employed by Messrs. H. Fairclough. Critchley enlisted into the Army Cyclist Corps and entered the war in France on 8 November 1915. He was commissioned into the South Lancashire Regiment on 26 June 1917 serving with the 1st/4th Battalion. The unit was serving at Mesplaux on 10 April 1918. The War Diary notes:

'Digging in and improving position. Situation NORMAL. Parties of men in adjoining Divisional Area, observed falling back on WEST of Canal. At 2 p.m. M.G. fire opened as enemy endeavouring to cross Canal to the NORTH. At 6 p.m. H.Q. in MESPLAUX FARM evacuated on account of hostile shelling. On LIEUT COL E. FAIRCLOUGH becoming a casualty MAJOR E. FAIRCLOUGH assumes command of the Battalion.'

Critchley is confirmed in the list of casualties having succumbed to his wounds on this date and is buried in the Chocques Military Cemetery. The roll for the Army Cyclist Corps British War and Victory Medal Pairs notes that it was issued and returned with the comment "Commissioned" and the date 22 August 1922; sold with various photocopied research.

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Estimate
£140 to £180

Starting price
£110