Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

British War Medal 1914-20 (3) (2 Lieut. T. H. Porritt; 34589 Pte. E. V. Parratt, R. War. R.; 1644 Cpl. J. Perrett, 22-Lond. R.) medal to ‘2 Lieut. T. H. Porritt’ lacking suspension; 1914-15 Star (PS-6036 Pte. A. Parrott, R. Fus.); , very fine and better (4) £120-160

Thomas Handley Porritt was born in Greytown, Natal in 1896, the son of Dr William and Mrs H. M. Porritt. He was educated at Hilton School, after which he had begun a career in Merchant Banking. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards on 10 May 1916 and landed in France on 26 September 1916. Awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette 17 September 1917). His citation reads:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading a most successful raid into the enemy’s lines. He was the first to enter the trench and, owing to the intense barrage and the dilapidated state of the trenches, it became necessary to reorganise his party. He accomplished this with great promptness and decision, continuing to lead his men and personally directing the bombing sections. He shot one of the enemy with his revolver and when the signal to withdraw was given he personally supervised the covering party and was the last to leave. The success of the raid was entirely due to his coolness and splendid leadership.’

On 31 July 1917 the 2nd Coldstream Guards took part in the attack on Pilkem Ridge as part of the Third Battle of Ypres. The attack was successful but Porritt was wounded and carried to 47 Casualty Clearing Station and died later the same day. He was buried in the Dozinghem Military Cemetery. With copied service notes.

Edgar Victor Parratt was born in Crewe in 1896, the son of Sarah A. Parratt. He joined the Army on 7 July 1915 and served in the Royal Warwickshire and Manchester Regiments. He died on 1 June 1964. With copied m.i.c.

James F. Perrett was born in Bermondsay, London in 1890, the son of Joseph Perrett. He enlisted into the Army on 7 August 1914 and entered France with the 22nd Battalion London Regiment on 13 March 1915. On 16 September 1916 he was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was invalided to England and the Horton County War Hospital, Epsom. He was posted to the 22nd Reserve Regiment and then discharged on 15 February 1919. With copied record of services.

Arthur Parrott was born in Battersea, lived in Wandsworth and enlisted at London. With the 7th Battalion Royal Fusiliers he entered France on 14 November 1915. He was killed in action, France/Flanders, on 5 April 1918. His name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. With copied m.i.c. and casualty details