WW1 Silver War Badge (SWB) 701 - Pte Harry Brown 1st & 6th Battalions The Green Howards (The Yorkshire Regiment) France & Gallipoli - twice wounded

A first pattern SWB officially impressed 701 (the lowest number I have yet handled) awarded to 7749 Private Harry Brown of the Yorkshire Regiment. An unmarked silver circlet inscribed 'For King And Empire Services Rendered' bearing crowned 'GRI' Imperial Cypher to voided centre. Very good condition, complete with original pin fittings (east -west). Circa 32mm in diameter. Copy of SWB roll entry and the note mentioned below to be supplied.

A typed note with the SWB confirms the following service details (please note I have not verified these service details other than what is available on the SWB roll such as enlistment and discharge dates):

"Awarded to 7749 Private Harry Brown a pre war regular of the Yorkshire Regiment. He enlisted in 1904 and landed in France on the 5th October 1914 and his name appeared in the list of wounded on the 23rd November 1914 having suffered gunshot wound to the left arm. Recovering he was discharged from hospital four weeks later and is then recorded serving with the 6th Bn, Green Howards. The Battalion landed at Suvla Bay Gallipoli on the 6th & 7th August and he was once again wounded, his name appearing on the casualty list of the 22nd November 1915. This wound resulting in his final discharge on the 17th March 1916. He was awarded the 1914 Star, with clasp, British War Medal and Victory Medal."

Approximately 1,150,000 badges were issued to all services, which had to be claimed and then approved. The first pattern SWB was issued between September 1916 and March 1918, and these were of a better quality than most later stampings. Around 335,000 of these early badges were issued to all services. '701' is a really early issue.

F28

Code: 61337