Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Corporal G. Coates 15th (Service) Battalion, Cheshire Regiment (1st Birkenhead)

Military Medal, G.V.R. (50163 Pte - L. Cpl. - G. Coates. 15/Ches: R.); 1914-15 Star (1558 Pte. G. Coates. Ches: R.); British War and Victory Medals (1558 Pte. G. Coates. Ches. R.) mounted for display, traces of verdigris, generally good very fine (4) £300-£400

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919.

George Coates was a native of Prestwick, Scotland. He served during the Great War with the Cheshire Regiment in the Gallipoli theatre of war from 8 August 1915. Coates was discharged 22 January 1919.

A typed account included with the lot, gives the following:

‘George Coates seen [sic] service with the 4th Battalion Cheshire Regiment, in Gallipoli, but was wounded and invalided home. After recovering he was drafted to France & Flanders first with the 9th Battalion Cheshire Regiment and later with the 15th Battalion Cheshire Regiment (The Bantams) 1st Service Battalion Birkenhead. George Coates won his Military Medal on the 14th October 1918, ‘For conspicuous gallantry displayed in action.’ He was again wounded in action when he suffered concussion, when a mine exploded burying him in the debris. Lance Corporal Coates lives with his wife at 1, Earl Street, Rock Ferry, before enlisted he was employed in the Stamping Department of Messrs Lever Bros Ltd Port Sunlight.’