WW1 Silver War Badge (SWB) to Albert Davison, 5th Battalion & 27th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI) - Wounds

A first pattern SWB officially impressed 257224 awarded to Private Albert Davison of the 27th Service Battalion, DLI. 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 CD version of SWB roll entry Copy of WW1 Medal Index Card (MIC) to be supplied.

These documents confirm his entry to Theatre 1 this was France & Flanders on 18th April 1915. This would have been with the 5th Territorial Battalion as is army number at this time had the prefix 5/2565, changing later in the war when TF soldiers were renumbered to 376545. Volunteered 31st August 1914, discharged with wounds 8th September 1917, aged 26.

In 1915, soldiers unfit for service overseas from the DLI’s 2nd and 3rd line Territorial Force battalions, were formed into the 23rd and 25th Provisional battalions.

In January 1917, the 23rd Provisional Battalion in Durham was re-named the 26th Battalion DLI, whilst the 25th Provisional Battalion in Gateshead was re-named the 27th Battalion DLI.

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.

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Code: 61492