A WW1 civilian issued 9ct gold medal, issued by The Lord Mayor of London Colonel Sir Charles Wakefield, 1916. Around midnight on 31st March / 1st April 1916, Gunner Victor Howe was on duty with other members of his battalion. It is documented that on this evening, the east coast of Britain came under heavy attack. The German assault lead to some 48 persons being killed and another 64 injured. The Purfleet Unit found itself engaged in this battle with the enemy. Gunner Howe and his fellow subordinates launched an anti-aircraft gun offensive using L15 weaponry, pressing home their attack relentlessly until finally exploding a Zeppelin in mid-air. For the first time in British history, a counter assault on a German Zeppelin had succeeded, to the delight and amazement of the 20 young servicemen. The significance of this incident was also not lost on them. There was a problem however. Who could personally lay claim, to such a great victory? Gunner Victor Howe and his subordinates were acting British serviceman. Under Kings Rules and Regulations, they were not allowed to accept a cash prize for what amounted to carrying out their duty. The Lord Mayor of London; Colonel Sir Charles Wakefield, understood the dilemma very well, but felt that such bravery and determination should not go unrewarded or unrecognised. It deserved both public recognition (to also boost public morale) and a grateful nation's acknowledgement. He then took the unusual decision of specially commissioning 20 (twenty) unique 'Commemorative' Medals to his own design. Each medal he instructed was to be individually struck in 9 carat gold, bearing each serviceman's Rank and Name. They should also include a 'Coat of Arms', a facsimile of the 'L15' assault weapon used and the date of the conflict event. To additionally personalise the beautiful Medals, Colonel Wakefield personally included, a congratulatory inscription of "Well Hit”. Full history available.
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SOLD FOR £1400