Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 697

A Great War M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant S. Parnham, Sherwood Foresters

Military Medal, G.V.R. (11557 Sjt: S. Parnham.1/5 Notts. & Derby: R.); 1914 Star (11557 Pte S. Parnham. 1/Notts: & Derby: R.); British War and Victory Medals (11557 Sjt. S. Parnham. Notts. & Derby. R.), light contact marks, very fine (4)

M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918.

Samuel Parnham was born in 1894 and enlisted into the Sherwood Foresters on 13 February 1911. He entered the war in France on 4 November 1914 serving with the 1st Battalion and soon after appeared on the list of No. 2 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, dated 30 November 1914, as having 'Frost bite feet'. Despite this he continued to serve and was later awarded the Military Medal for service in France (London Gazette 20 October 1918) with 'C' Company, 5th Battalion, for the raid on an enemy Machine Gun situated at a farm house on the Rue de Bois on the 18-19 June 1918 in the Le Touret-Essars sector. The Report gives more detail:

'2/Lieut Moore and 25 other ranks advanced along Light Railway, and found 6 enemy in the trench running alongside of railway. Three of these were shot and killed in the trench, one bayonetted and two attempted to run towards the orchard. These were both killed. An Officer with knapsack also attempted to run from the post, he was shot and dropped his pack and greatcoat. He ran for some distance and then fell apparently killed. The pack and greatcoat are sent herewith, and also papers taken from some of the killed enemy. Several others were seen running into our barrage near the orchard. This party now came under heavy machine gun and rifle fire from the orchard, east of the railway. This was replied to with rapid fire and Officer Commanding "E" party having completed his task, reinforced "C" party, and both parties then withdrew by degrees, each in turn provided covering fire from the other.'

Parnham was discharged on 12 March 1919. He is further entitled to the Silver War Badge (B339529).

His Medal Index Card is noted as a 'Shadow Card' dating from 10 September 1985 noting replacement medals, and this is further confirmed on his 1914 Star entry and his British War and Victory Medal pair entry as well where replacement issues were issued on 19 December 1931. The medals offered here are his original issues.

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

Sold for
£450

Starting price
£210