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Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 556

Three: Corporal F. W. Bloomfield, 4th Battalion, Essex Regiment, who fought in two of the three Battles of Gaza and was wounded in both engagements in the same leg

1914-15 Star (2639 Pte F. W. Bloomfield. Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (2839 Pte. F. W. Bloomfield. Essex R.); France; Medal of Honour for Labour of the Ministry of Social Affairs (F. Bloomfield 1959), good very fine (3)

Frederick William Bloomfield enlisted with 4th Battalion, Essex Regiment on 3 December 1914 at Brentwood and was posted to ‘C’ Company. Transported from Davenport on 21 July 1915 aboard HMT Marguette, a transport which would itself be sunk on 23 October 1915. They reached Alexandria on 17 December 1915, taking part in patrol duties during the Senussi Campaign. Bloomfield was hospitalised for the first time on 22 January 1916, unfortunately for him it would not be the last medical emergency he suffered. In March the Brigade was relieved and moved to cover a section of the Suez Canal defences. Hospitalised again on 8 June 1916 Bloomfield was moved to Cairo and diagnosed with a 'septic knee' moreover while there he suffered from an abscess in his neck. Despite this he managed to re-join the Battalion on 7 August 1916.

Bloomfield was certainly present for the First Battle of Gaza, suffering from a gunshot wound at in the left foot at Gaza on 26 March 1917. Having recuperated he re-joined his Regiment on 17 July 1917 and took part in the Third Battle of Gaza in November of that year, being wounded in action again on 3 November this time in the left thigh. Joined his Regiment on 27 January 1918 from hospital. Having applied for a promotion to acting Lance-Corporal on 26 March 1918, he seems to have been successful however reverted to Private on 22 December 1918. Apparently undeterred he applied twice more in January 1919. Upon being demobilised on 29 March 1919, Bloomfield moved to 9 Belton Road, Leytonstone, Essex; sold together with copied research including attestation, discharge and service papers.

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Sold for
£130

Starting price
£60