A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars

Three: Second Lieutenant G. M. Newland, 9th (Queen Victoria’s Rifles), London Regiment, formerly 12th (The Rangers), London Regiment, killed in action during the German Spring Offensive, 28 March 1918

1914-15 Star (1385 Pte., 12-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut.); together with memorial plaque (George Michael Newland); illuminated memorial scroll; transmission slips and card boxes of issue for medals; 12th London regiment cap badge and sweetheart brooch; silver wrist watch; Queen Mary 1914 gift tin; related Special Constabulary Medal, G.VI.R. (Dep. Sect. Ldr. Richard H. Pearmain); and a small quantity of original documentation, including, commission document (2nd Lieutenant, 13 November 1917); letter written by recipient to his mother, dated 27 March 1918 (the day before he was killed); letter from recipients C.O., and Infantry Office Telegram, both sent to his mother confirming him as m.i.a.; letter of sympathy from Buckingham Palace, dated 15 May 1919; letter of condolence from his previous employers, The Northern District Post Office, London, dated 17 March 1919; and a small quantity of correspondence from the Ministry of Pensions, extremely fine and an interesting and emotive collection of documentation (9) £350-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals to Officers Who Died During The Two World Wars.

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George Michael Newland was commissioned into the 9th London Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant on 13 November 1917, having previously served in the ranks of the 12th London Regiment. He was reported missing in action on 28 March 1918, and after a lapse of one year, was presumed to have been killed on that day. At the time of his death he was attached to the 1st Battalion (London Rifle Brigade), London Regiment, and was 24 years of age. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

The following is extracted from Newland’s last letter home, which he sent to his mother on 27 March 1918, the day before his death. The original of this letter is included with the lot: ‘... I’m well and merry as one can be under the circumstances. Well, now the Boch have started perhaps the war will end soon. He is getting a good hiding. Well mum excuse my short note as we have some little work to do to quieten the Boch...’

The following is extracted from a letter written by the Officer Commanding, 1st L.R.B., to which unit Newland was attached when he was killed. The original of this letter is also included with the lot: ‘I am very grieved to inform you that your husband, 2nd Lieutenant G. M. Newland is missing. My Battalion was attacked on the 28th inst. in overwhelming numbers and a large number of my officers and men are missing. ..’