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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 528

Pair: Private F. J. Rossiter, 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who was shot in the lung and taken prisoner at Armentières in April 1918: initially reported dead, he remarkably survived the war

British War and Victory Medals (31692 Pte. F. J. Rossiter. S. Lan. R.), minor contact wear, very fine (2)

Francis Julian Rossiter was born at Ashton on Mersey on 9 June 1895, the son of Frank and Margaret Rossiter. He enlisted on 20 November 1914 with the 4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment and entered the war in France on 15 September 1916. Here he was posted to the 2nd Battalion and saw action with them throughout the next two years.

This unit went into action during the German Spring Offensive, fighting a series of rearguard actions around the Somme as the attack hit home. They then found themselves near Armentières during the Battle of Lys in April, when a collapse of the frontline saw them thrown into several blocking positions around Bailleul. The Lancashire Infantry Museum website describes the frantic pace and nature of the action stating:

'On the northern flank of the breakthrough the 34th Division, including 1st East Lancashires, was outflanked by the Portuguese collapse and fell back through Armentières to occupy a succession of blocking positions around Bailleul. A brigade of the 25th Division, including 9th Loyals, moved south to assist the 34th and 40th Divisions, and the Loyals counter-attacked at Croix du Bac on April 10th, near Bailleul on the 13th and at Kemmel on the 25th. A few miles to the east, the 2nd South Lancashires were in action on the 10th at Ploegsteert, and next day also moved south to beat off two attacks at Neuve Eglise. On the 12th, and again on the 13th, the Battalion was forced back to the Ravelsberg where, after another day’s severe fighting the survivors were relieved on the night of the 14th.'

Rossiter however was not so lucky, being caught in the fighting at some stage between 11-13 April and taken prisoner of war. He was further noted as having been shot in the right breast, his pension records later clarify that the bullet had pierced his lung although also states the wound occured on 11 April. Suggesting he had already been injured when he was taken.

Rossiter was treated at German Hospitals in Lille and Stendal and survived despite the severity of his injury. Although he was hopsitalised upon his return to Britain as well he continued to live until demobilisation on 20 April 1919.

Note Rossiter's service records and the German prisoner lists suggest different dates for his capture. It seems likely given he was wounded on 11 April that was also the date he was taken prisoner, the confused nature of the fighting may account for his papers stating that it was 13 April.

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Sold for
£50

Starting price
£40