William Sumner

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Personal Details

Born: William was born 17 February 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of nine children born to John Henry Sumner, a labourer in a milling furnace, and his wife Edith. No marriage can be confirmed for William.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 23 Stafford Street, Monks Coppenhall, Cheshire; by 1911 the family had moved to 66 Wistaston Road, Monks Coppenhall. This is the address to which he was discharged in 1919.

Employment: When he enlisted he was an apprentice fitter at the London and North Western Railway Company at the Railway Works, Crewe.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 204195

Date of Enlistment: 27 July 1916

Date of Discharge: 11 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

William 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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