A fine Collection of Medals to the Sherwood Foresters

A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal W. Beardsall, 6th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, late 2/8th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, who died of wounds, France, 3 May 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (306188 Pte., 2/8 N. & D.R.-T.F.); British War and Victory Medals (306188 Cpl., Notts. & Derby. R.) nearly extremely fine (3) £400-450

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 28 January 1918.

Citation: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, during the attack at St. Julien between 26th and 28th September 1917. When all the Officers and N.C.O’s. of the platoon had become casualties, Private Beardsall with splendid initiative took command of his platoon and led them forward to their objective.’ (ref. British Gallantry Awards, The Sherwood Foresters, compiled by C. Housley).

William Beardsall was born in Retford, Nottinghamshire c.1885. A Railway Worker by occupation, he attested for the Notts. & Derby. Regiment on 10 May 1915. With the 2/8th Battalion he served in France from 27 February 1917 to 12 October 1917 on which date he was a casualty of gassing and was invalided to England on 8 November 1917. He returned to France on 31 March 1918, serving with the 6th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. Whilst serving with them he died of wounds on 3 May 1918, aged 32 years. He was laid to rest in the Etaples Military Cemetery. William Beardsall was the son of John and Clara Beardsall and husband of Annie Beardsall, of 69 Albert Road, South Retford. With copied research.