~ Father’s WW1 Military Medal + Son’s WW2 Italy Star, Defence Medal and British War Medal ~
This set of British medals have a family link, and come with a slip from the office of the Secretary of State and an original franked and addressed forwarding package.
In a blue patterned box, lined and padded with velvet and brass presentation mount, is the Great War Military Medal (M.M) awarded to Private John Sutherland of the 16th Queen’s Westminster Rifles battalion.
It bears the head of George V on the face, and on the reverse it displays the king’s cypher, and a wreath of laurels around the words “FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD”
On the rim are the soldier’s details: “556578. PTE. J.W. SUNDERLAND. 16/LOND.R”.
It has no ribbon on the clasp, but comes packaged with a stitched ribbon bar (see photos).
This medal appeared in the London Gazette: 22 July 1919.
John William Sunderland originally served with the West Riding Regiment in the First World War before transferring to the 16th Queen’s Westminster Rifles. He was awarded His MM for his services in the final stages of the war, during the Battles for the Hindenburg Line and the Final Advance in Picardy
Next, presented in their original wax-paper slips are the WW2 medals presented to the Private’s son, who served in the Italy theatre during the Second World War with the Royal Armoured Corps.
These medals all have their ribbons attached and include:
The Italy Star, a six-pointed star with the George VI cypher.
The Defence Medal, a cupro-nickel disc bearing the naked head of King George VI.
and the War Medal, , a cupro-nickel disc bearing the crowned head of King George VI.
The forwarding box is addressed to, “MR. A. SUNDERLAND. 6, SHERRINGTON ST. LONGSIGHT, MANCHESTER. 12”. And franked with the King’s crown, and initials denoting “On His Majesty’s Service”.
The office return address is even labelled on the underside of the box.
~ Dimensions ~
All medals are “Standard” size.
The WW1 presentation box is 2 inches across by 2.5 inches long by half an inch deep (5 x 6.5 x 1.5 cm).
The WW2 forwarding package is 3.25 inches across by 2.5 inches high by 1 inch deep (8.5 x 6.6 x 2.5 cm).
Together they weigh 160 g in total.
~ Condition ~
The medals are all in good readable order with minimal signs of wear.
The packaging is a little tired and shows signs of wear.
#5668