Noel Jack Roles

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Personal Details

Born: 30 September 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was one of seven children born to Peter Roles, a general labourer, and his wife Jane, nee Hunt. He married Annie Elizabeth Wright in April 1929 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had four children, Winifred May, Elsie L, Irene A and John.

Residence: In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother at 1 Havana Buildings, Whitchurch. This was the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. By 1939 he and his wife and children were living at 2 Scotland Street, Whitchurch. At the time of his death in 1961, his home was 57 Thompson Drive, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was a general labourer.

Died: January 1961, aged 62, at Deermoss Hospital, Whitchurch and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 18 January 1961. 

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 18968  (previously 48275)

Date of Enlistment:  Not known

Date of Discharge:  Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His brother, Arthur Roles, also served in WW1

Medals and Awards

Noel was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.


 


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