Medals and militaria: WW1 letter revealed 'fatal' error regarding brave soldier's fate

Join us for free valuations at Fradley on Tuesday 24th March 10am-1pm

COLLECTING medals and items of militaria is an oft-emotional pursuit providing enthusiasts with a tangible bridge to the past – and ample opportunity to turn detective.

As significant as an item in itself may be, it is the personal stories of bravery and sacrifice behind a decoration, or detailed in original documentation, which bring history to life.

One such notable story which came to light at The Lichfield Auction Centre recently was the archive of a First World War soldier presumed dead yet who was in fact still fighting on the frontline.

The family of Private Thomas Harrison 13110, who served with the Cheshire Regiment and Machine Gun Corps, received a letter in September 1917 notifying that Thomas had been killed in action.

But a further handwritten letter to Thomas’ mum, dated September 24 1917, confirmed: “I have to inform you information has been secured this day cancelling the report of killed in action on the 3rd. Error regretted. He is at present well and serving with his battalion in the field.”

One can only wonder at the reaction back home.

Born and baptised in 1896 in Cheshire to parents Thomas Henry and Prescilla, in 1911 Thomas was working as a labourer.

He joined the regular army on September 1 1914 and landed in France on September 26 1915.

Thomas made it through World War One and was eventually invalided out of the Army in 1920; by 1921 he had moved to Birmingham and was working as a packer-porter.

His archive was catalogued by military specialist Jeff Clark and went under the hammer at The Tamworth Auction Rooms recently for £170.

It included his 1914-1915 trio of medals – correctly named but discovered with the ribbons mixed up – and a number of fragile papers including that precious letter to his mother.

There was also an Imperial Service Medal named to Thomas Henry Harrison, his WWI small service book, and various other letters and paperwork.

Further items included a boxed set of two Second World War medals issued to V Harrison, presumed to be Thomas’ son, who lived in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, along with his small service book, cap badges, shoulder titles and a collection of ration books.

So, a quintessential militaria auction lot with inanimate objects spelling out a narrative of service, hardship and sacrifice, forging a connection between the past and today, and presenting plenty of opportunity for further research and discovery.

Free valuations of medals and militaria at The Lichfield Auction Centre next take place on Tuesday, March 24, from 10am to 1pm.

For more information, or to enquire about valuations for all types of collectables and antiques, large collections and house clearances, telephone 01543 251081 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

Valuations of all types of medals and militaria with Jeff Clark also take place at The Tamworth Auction Rooms on Wednesdays 10am-4pm by appointment – book by telephoning 01827 217746 or email tamworth@richardwinterton.co.uk.