Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant B. Smedley, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.V.R. (24370 Sjt: B. Smedley. 15/N. & D.R.) minor edge bruise, good very fine £260-£300

M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1916.

Benjamin Smedley attested for the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment and served with the 15th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front. He was probably awarded his Military Medal for the abortive attack on Matlz Horn Farm and Trench on 20 July 1916. The Battalion attacked at 5:00 a.m., with 2 Companies up and 2 in support. The attack failed in the face of heavy machine gun fire in enfilade and the supports were never really able to get up. The Battalion suffered 10 Officers and 39 other ranks killed; 9 Officers and 146 other ranks wounded; and 36 other ranks missing.