British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Serjeant G. W. Loades, Norfolk Regiment, killed in action, battle of Loos, 13 October 1915

British War and Victory Medals (9281 Sjt., Norf. R.) nearly extremely fine (2) £50-70

George William Loades was born in Hemsby, Norfolk and joined his local regiment, the Norfolk Regiment in Great Yarmouth. He was posted to the 7th (Service) Battalion and landed with his Battalion in France on 30 May 1915. The 7th Norfolk Battalion was part of 35th Brigade, 12 (Eastern) Division and after a period of training in the Ploegsteert area took part in the final phase of the Battle of Loos.

On 13 October 1915 the 35th Brigade, led by the 7th Norfolks attacked the German positions between Gun trench and the Hullach Quarries. On their left the 6th Buffs were shattered by fire from a previously unseen, and therefore unshelled trench, and suffered 400 casualties in a few minutes. The 7th Norfolk’s “Found the smoke screen very thin” and was heavily engaged from their front and flanks. They did occupy and consolidate their objective in the Quarries, but were unable to advance further.

It was on this day that Sergeant William George Loades was killed. His body was not recovered and his name is listed among the 20,000 names recorded on the Loos Memorial of those who died and have no known grave. He was the son of Mr and Mrs C. R. Loades of the White House, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth Norfolk. With copied m.i.c. showing entitlement to the 1914-15 Star.