A Collection of Medals to Great War Casualties

Family Group:

Three: Sergeant D. Orr, Cheshire Regiment, who was killed in action on the Western Front during the Battle of Menin Road, Ypres, on 20 September 1917, on which date Second Lieutenant H. Colvin, of the same Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross
1914-15 Star (15228 Pte. D. Orr. Ches: R.); British War and Victory Medals (15228 Sjt. D. Orr. Ches. R.); Memorial Plaque (David Orr); Memorial Scroll, ‘L/Serjt. David Orr, Cheshire Regt.’, all mounted for display in a glazed frame, nearly extremely fine

Pair: Private H. Orr, Monmouthshire Regiment, later South Wales Borderers
British War and Victory Medals (3940 Pte. H. Orr. Monmouth. R.) in named card box of issue and outer OHMS transmission envelope addressed to ‘Mr. H. Orr, 90 School St., Cheadle, Stockport’, good very fine (7) £200-£240

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Great War Casualties.

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Provenance: Acquired by the vendor directly from the recipient’s family.

David Orr was born in Stockport, Cheshire, and attested there for the Cheshire Regiment on 2 September 1914. He served with the 9th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 19 July 1915, and was promoted Corporal on 9 July 1916, and Sergeant on 27 July 1917. He was killed in action by a sniper whilst rescuing a wounded comrade during the Battle of Menin Road, Ypres, on 20 September 1917. His officer wrote:
‘His gallant conduct has been brought to the notice of the General Officer Commanding. His loss in keenly felt by all ranks, he having been in the battalion since its formation.’

The Battalion’s casualties for the Battle of Menin Road, 20-21 September 1917, were 1 Officer and 14 other ranks killed; 5 Officers and 110 other ranks wounded, and 29 other ranks missing. For his gallantry during the Battle Second Lieutenant Hugh Colvin, 9th Cheshires, was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Orr is buried in Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium. His brother, Herbert Orr, served with the Monmouthshire Regiment during the Great War, and later the South Wales Borderers.

Sold together with a framed postcard photograph of the recipient; memorial postcard; and copied research.

Please note that this lot is not suitable for shipping, but can be hand delivered within mainland Britain by prior arrangement with Christopher Mellor-Hill.