British Inter-Allied Victory Medal awarded to a Lancashire Fusiliers Soldier with Wound Stripe badge

British World War I group comprising an awarded Inter-Allied Victory Medal, accompanied by a brass Wound Stripe.

The medal is named to Richard Grummitt (11 September 1889 – 1941), service number 40363, Private in the 1/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.

In 1911, Richard worked as a farm labourer. He belonged to a family deeply affected by the war:

• Harry Grummitt (25189, 6th Bedfordshire Regiment), killed in action on 23 May 1917
• Frederick Charles Grummitt (203246, 7th Bedfordshire Regiment), killed in action on 18 July 1917
• Robert Charles (35079, 1st Lancashire Fusiliers)
• Maurice Alfred (18511, 8th Royal Sussex Regiment, discharged due to wounds)
• George Henry (3009, 51st (Graduated) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment)
• Herbert, Alfred Arthur and their sister Nellie

This lot stands as a poignant testimony to the heavy sacrifice endured by one family during the war.

Service:

Enlisted on 9 December 1915, Richard Grummitt served with the Lancashire Fusiliers (No. 40363). He was sent to the Western Front, where he took part in major engagements including the Somme, Arras and Cambrai. Severely wounded in action, he was evacuated to England, where his leg was amputated.

He was discharged on 20 March 1919 (Para 392 2 (XVIa) K.R.) at the age of 29.

Awards:

• Inter-Allied Victory Medal (named)
• British War Medal
• Silver War Badge (B187945)

The group is completed with a brass wound badge (Wound Stripe), added for display purposes. This badge did not belong to Richard Grummitt, but is representative of the type awarded to wounded soldiers.

Introduced in 1916 with the approval of King George V, the Wound Stripe indicated wounds received in action: one stripe per wound, worn vertically on the lower left sleeve. It was introduced during World War I (officially authorised on 6 July 1916) and later reintroduced in World War II.

The example presented is an original piece in good condition, complete with backing plate and fastening system. Marked:

• “The Wound Stripe Prov. No. 4 Pat” (back plate)
• “A.B. Prov. Pat. 7342–17–4” (reverse of the badge)

Documents relating to the military history of Richard Grummitt will be provided to the buyer in electronic format only.

Condition: Very good overall condition