A Great War Western Front casualty Victory Medal awarded to Private W.H. Ireland, 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment who died of wounds on Christmas Day 1914 and is now buried in Lillers Communal Cemetery. He had earlier been commended for trying to rescue his Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Harding who was lying, severely wounded in No Man’s Land on 29th October 1914.
Victory Medal; (7116 PTE. W.H. IRELAND. GLOUC. R.)
Condition: Good Very Fine
William Henry Ireland was born in St. Mary’s, Cheltenham, the son of HC and Mary Jane Ireland of 26 All Saints Road, Cheltenham. He was former regular soldier who had joined the 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment in Cirencester in July 1903. Following seven years service as a regular soldier he was placed on the Reserve List for a period of 5 years and was recalled to the colours for war service, being drafted to France on the 27th August 1914. He was commended on the 29th October 1914 when he tried to rescue his Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Harding, who was lying, severely wounded out in No Man’s Land. Private Ireland is listed as having died of wounds on Christmas Day 1914.
The War Diary reveals that it had been out of the line between 15th and 20th December and on the 21st went into action at Festubert at 3pm to retake the trenches lost by the Indian Corps. The attack was partially successful, 500 yards having been gained by nightfall for the loss of 16 killed, 86 wounded and 94 missing. It was probably in this action that Private Ireland was wounded. He is buried in Lillers Communal Cemetery.
