Great War pair awarded to Private T.F. Laplain, The Queen’s Regiment, later Labour Corps. His nephew would later be awarded a Military Medal with the 1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment in North Africa during the Second World War.
Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal; (19559 PTE. T.F. LAPLAIN. THE QUEEN’S R.) In card box of issue and in outer envelope addressed to Mr. T.F Lapain, 22 Stockmore Road, Hackney, London.
Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine
Along with two letters, one a family letter home, and one dated 24th April 1944 from Laplain’s nephew talking about his time in Italy and how he was looking forward to the creation of the second front and how it would relieve pressure. His nephew was serving in the 1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment at the time.
Awarded to Private (No. 19559) T.F. Laplain, The Queen’s Regiment who also later served as a Private (No. 55479) with the Labour Corps.
Thomas Frederick Laplain was born in Hackney on 28th November 1884 and having enlisted saw service as a Private (No. 19559) with The Queen’s Regiment and later as a Private with the Labour Corps. His son James Frederick Laplain would serve with the 1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment during the Second World War and would be awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in North Africa the citation for this award reading:
‘During the actino on 27 Mar 43, the advance on Mathath, Lapain was Platoon Sgt of on eo fhte leading platoons in the attack on the vital intermediate objective. Under heavy sehll and machine gun fire he showed great gallantry, initiative and leadership throughout. While part of the platoon under the platoon commander was pinned down this NCO skilfully handled the reserve section on the flank. The section suffered severe casualties but Sgt. Laplain took the few remaining men on to the objectives and immediately reorganised. Still under fire he then went forward himself and, armed only with a revolver, got behind a party of about 50 enemy who were trying to get away and secured their surrender.
Throughout the recent operations this NCO has been a very fine example to his platoon in action.’
