A fine Collection of Medals to the Sherwood Foresters

A Great War M.M. group of five awarded to Serjeant G. R. Davenport, 6th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment - awarded the M.M. for the attack on Bellenglise and Lehaucourt, 29 September 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (240236 Sjt., 6/Notts. & Derby. R.); 1914-15 Star (1731 Pte., Notts. & Derby. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1731 Sjt., Notts. & Derby. R.); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (240236 Sjt., M.M., 6-Notts. & Derby. R.) some contact marks and edge bruising, fine and better (5) £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine Collection of Medals to the Sherwood Foresters.

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M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919.

Citation: ‘For very great gallantry in the attack on Bellenglise and Lehaucourt on 29th September 1918. This N.C.O. did excellent work as a platoon commander, being exceptionally cool under fire. His handling of his platoon throughout the attack, showed great resource and skill in use of ground and cover. The platoon never faltered, and went through with great keenness and determination.’ (ref. British Gallantry Awards, The Sherwood Foresters, compiled by C. Housley).

George R. Davenport was born in Peak Forest, Derbyshire and lived and enlisted at Buxton. A Horse Driver by occupation, he attested for the 6th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment at Clumber Park on 11 September 1911, aged 17 years, 3 months. With the 6th Battalion he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 28 February 1915. He was advanced to Lance-Corporal in September 1916; Corporal in August 1917 and Serjeant in September 1918. He was disembodied on 27 January 1919.

After the war he was Sub-Postmaster and Newsagent at Peak Dale, Derbyshire for 20 years and also a Storekeeper at Ferodo Ltd. in Chapel-en-le Frith. During the Second World War he served as a Lieutenant in the Home Guard. He left Peak Dale in 1949 and became the licensee of the Horse Shoe Inn, Farefield Road, Buxton, later moving down the road to become the licensee of the Prince of Wales. Davenport latterly lived at 1 Monsall Avenue, Fairfield, Buxton.

With copied research, including a copied photograph of the recipient in his Home Guard uniform.