Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 327

Three: Private D. Stark, 17th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the First Day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916

1914-15 Star (15433 Pte. D. Stark. High: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (15433 Pte. D. Stark. High. L.I.), nearly extremely fine (3)

David Stark,a native of Glasgow, was born in 1897 and was educated at Kent Road Public School and at Glasgow High School, where he took the Senior Art Scholarship, before going onto the School of Art & Technical College. He joined Highland Light Infantry in September 1914, aged 17 and served with the 17th Battalion in France from 22 November 1915.

Stark was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, on which date the Battalion, as part of 97th Brigade, 32nd Division, was involved in an attack on the Leipzig Salient. Leading the assault with the 16th Battalion H.L.I., the leading companies moved out from the front line at 7:23 a.m., creeping forward to within 30 or 40 yards of the German front line. At 7:30 a.m. they rushed forward, overran the German front line, and obtained possession of the Leipzig Redoubt. They quickly moved on towards the Hindenburg Trench but heavy fire from the Wonder Work brought the assault to a standstill, and they were forced to retired to Crucifix Corner. Total casualties suffered by the Battalion that day were 469.

Stark is buried in the Lonsdale Cemetery, Authuile; sold together with local extract which gives details and a portrait photograph.

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

Sold for
£650

Starting price
£320