A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. and Second Award Bar Stretcher Bearer’s group of six awarded to Private A. Binks, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, later Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve and St. John Ambulance Brigade

Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (240850 Pte. A. Binks. 1/5L.N. Lanc: R. -T.F.); 1914-15 Star (240850 Pte. A. Binks. L.N. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2679 Pte. A. Binks. L.N. Lan. R.); Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, with Second Award Bar (5295 A. Binks. L.S.B.A. R.N.A.S.B.R.); Service Medal of the Order of St John (13833 A/Off. A. Binks. Bolton Hqs. Div. No.4 Dis. S.J.A.B. 1935) contact marks and light pitting to Great War awards, otherwise generally very fine and better and a rare combination (6) £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd.

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Provenance: Christie’s, November 1986

M.M. London Gazette 28 September 1917.
The original Recommendation states: ‘For bravery in the field during the month of June 1917. This man has worked with great devotion as a stretcher bearer in bringing in the wounded. He has taken part in two raids on the enemy’s trenches during this month, and has worked with no sleep at times. Private Binks deserves a special mention for his admirable work.’

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 14 January 1918.
The original Recommendation states: ‘During the attack near Wieltje on enemy positions on 20th inst., and the following two days, this stretcher bearer displayed an utter disregard for personal safety by tending wounded under heavy machine gun and shell fire. He worked unceasingly during the whole period and whenever possible he placed the wounded under cover. He undoubtedly saved many lives.’

Albert Binks, a native of Bolton, Lancashire, attested for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (Territorial Force), and served with the 1st/5th Battalion as a stretcher bearer during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 February 1915. For his services with 55th Division he was awarded both the Military Medal and a Second Award Bar (both Recommendations taken from 55th Division Records).

He subsequently served with the Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 11 December 1936, and the second award bar on 18 July 1946.