*British, WWII & Postwar, Group of Seven Medals to Sergeant R.B. Young, Royal Engineers & Royal Signals — All Named, Inc 8th Army Clasp*
Medal Entitlement:
1939–45 Star (privately engraved "489 SGT. YOUNG R.B.")
Africa Star with 8th Army clasp (privately engraved "489 SGT. YOUNG R.B.")
Italy Star (privately engraved "489 SGT. YOUNG R.B.")
Defence Medal (privately engraved "489 SGT. YOUNG R.B.")
War Medal 1939–45 (privately engraved "489 SGT. YOUNG R.B.")
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953 (officially impressed "2100569 S.Q.M.S. YOUNG. R.B. R.SIGS.")
Efficiency Medal, GVI issue with ‘Territorial’ clasp (officially impressed "2577489 SJT. R.B. YOUNG. R.SIGS.")
Service Details:
Sergeant R.B. Young initially served as 489 Sergeant with the Royal Engineers, later transferring to the Royal Corps of Signals and rising to the senior appointment of Staff Quartermaster Sergeant. His active WWII service included North Africa with the 8th Army (highlighted by the clasp to the Africa Star) and Italy, as well as home service meriting the Defence Medal.
Postwar, he continued his service with the Territorial Army, qualifying for the Efficiency Medal with 'Territorial' clasp and being awarded the 1953 Coronation Medal, which was given to selected long-serving and meritorious personnel on parade or duty at the Coronation.
Naming Explanation:
British WWII campaign medals (Stars and War/Defence Medals) were normally issued unnamed, with exceptions only for Dominion forces such as Australia and South Africa. In this group, all five WWII medals have been privately engraved with the recipient’s details. The later Efficiency Medal and Coronation Medal are officially named in impressed capitals, as was standard practice.
Importantly, the private engraving on this group appears to be contemporary to the period, the consistent style of engraving suggests they were all done together, likely shortly after issue, reflecting the recipient’s pride in his service and adding strong research appeal.
Historical Significance:
The engraved 8th Army clasp on the Africa Star directly links this group to the iconic North African campaigns under Montgomery, including El Alamein. The Efficiency Medal with ‘Territorial’ clasp and the Coronation Medal highlight a long and dedicated postwar career, culminating in senior NCO rank (Staff Quartermaster Sergeant) within the Royal Signals. Together, the combination of Royal Engineers service, later Royal Signals duties, and strong Territorial commitment makes this group highly desirable, reflecting a long, varied, and distinguished military journey.
*Condition*
All medals remain in very good condition overall. The WWII campaign stars and medals show minor surface wear consistent with age and careful display, with crisp, legible engraving. The Coronation Medal displays some surface spotting, and the Efficiency Medal retains good detail with bright ribbon. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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