WW1 Allied Victory Medal ( VM ) 24148 Cpl Walton Murphy, Northumberland Fusiliers, entitled to SWB but Commissioned post war!

Correctly impressed, original length of ribbon, but medal in overall very poor condition.

An unusual story lies behind this humble medal. Walton Murphy is confirmed on the Silver War Badge ( SWB ) roll as being entitled to a SWB under para 392 (xvi) ('no longer physically fit for war service') and his date of discharge is given as 3rd February 1919. The number of his badge was B207589.

However, on his MIC this date is also the given date of his Commission into the Northumberland Fusiliers. In the extract from the Infantry records at York, his discharge is under a different section of para 392 - xix(a). In any event being entitled to a SWB, for whatever reason, does not appear to have stopped him being able to continue his military career as an officer.

The St George's Gazette for 28th February 1919 (copy of page will be supplied) confirms that Cadet W.Murphy was to be temporary 2nd Lieutenant in one of the Regular Battalions of the Northumberland Fusiliers. I have been unable to discover anything further about him at this time.

Coll.

Sold to BS

Code: 56049