Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 360

The Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant W. G. W. Stokes, 38th (Royal Ottawa) Canadian Infantry, Canadian Expeditionary Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (410629 Sjt: W. G. W. Stokes. 38/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (410629 Sgt. W. G. W. Stokes 38 Bn.), the Pair with officially re-impressed naming, claw damaged on B.W.M., very fine (3)

M.M. London Gazette 17 September 1917. The citation states:

'Near Avion - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on 28th June 1917, when this N.C.O. showed the most untiring energy and cheerful spirit. In the four days of the advance he encouraged his men and set them a splendid example in the manner in which he carried out his duties. He showed not the slightest hesitation in taking up any necessary position under the heaviest shell fire and by his courage greatly facilitated the work of his Company.'

Walter George William Stokes was born on 12 February 1891 at Bristol, England, the son of Jonathan and Mary Jane Stokes of Maesteg Glen, South Wales. A groom by trade, he attested at Ottawa for the 38th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, on 29 March 1915, and embarked aboard the S.S. Grampian from Bermuda to Plymouth on 9 June 1916. Appointed Acting Lance-Corporal, Stokes was taken on strength at Havre on 6 October 1916 and left for the 4th Entrenching Battalion on 29 October, joining his unit 3 days later on the Western Front.

Promoted Sergeant on 15 April 1917 and awarded the M.M. shortly thereafter, Stokes requested a transfer to the 15th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, which was granted. However his hitherto unblemished military record came to an end on 18 September 1918 when he was convicted by Field General Court Martial of absenting himself without leave, remaining absent for 2 days until being apprehended by the Military Police at Erin on 30 August 1918. As a decorated soldier the sentence confirmed by Brigadier-General G. S. Tuxford was light, being forfeiture of 2 days pay and a return to the front in the push to the Hindenburg Line.

On 27 September 1918, Stokes received a gunshot wound to the right arm. Having recovered, he was placed in confinement for a second time on 16 November 1918, on this occasion for overstaying his pass from 0630hrs on 8 November 1918 until reporting himself for duty on 15 November 1918. The sentence was more severe than previously, incorporating 15 days field punishment No. 2, coupled with 8 days forfeiture of pay. His mood would not have improved much on Christmas Day 1918, when he was flung from the open carriage of a moving train on the firm and unexpected application of the brakes, resulting in lacerations to the face. Discharged from hospital on 11 January 1919, Stokes eventually embarked home from Liverpool aboard H.M.T.S. Canada on 24 March 1919, being discharged at Toronto on 3 April 1919; sold with copied service papers.


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£500

Starting price
£140