A Collection of Medals for the Russian Intervention 1918-20

Four: Sergeant H. W. Hammersley, Royal Irish Fusiliers, later Royal Fusiliers and Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who was awarded the M.S.M. for his services with the British Force in North Russia in 1919

British War and Victory Medals (27840 Sjt. H. W. Hammersley. R. Ir. Fus.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 3rd issue, Regular Army (7042315 Sjt. H. W. Hammersley, R.A.O.C.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (131713 Sjt. H. W. Hammersley. 46/R. Fus:) mounted as worn, contact marks, nearly very fine, the MSM unique to the Battalion (4) £280-£320

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals for the Russian Intervention 1918-20.

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M.S.M. London Gazette 3 January 1920:
‘In recognition of valuable services rendered with the British Force in North Russia.’

Harold W. Hammersley attested for the Royal Irish Fusiliers and served with them as a Sergeant during the Great War. Subsequently transferring to the Royal Fusiliers, he served with the 46th Battalion with the British Forces in North Russia, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He later transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, ands was awarded his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in the 1930s.

The 45th and 46th Battalions, Royal Fusiliers were formed in April 1919 specifically for service with Sadleir-Jackson’s Brigade of the North Russia Relief Force and were disbanded on their return to the U.K. in October 1919. Hammersley’s M.S.M. is the only one awarded to a member of the 46th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.