WW1 Silver War Badge (SWB) to Eswin Wheaton, Royal Engineers

A first pattern SWB officially impressed 273458 awarded to Pioneer Eswin Wheaton, Royal Engineers (Road Transport Depot). An unmarked silver circlet inscribed 'For King And Empire Services Rendered' bearing crowned 'GRI' Imperial Cypher to voided centre. In very good condition, bright cleaned, original C clasp and pin. Circa 32mm in diameter.

273458 Pioneer Eswin Wheaton of the Royal Engineers (Road Transport Department?) He enlisted on 14th February1917 and was discharged shortly thereafter on 5th April1917 on account of sickness, aged 43. Copy of CD version of SWB roll entry to together with a copy of his WW1 Medal Index Card (MIC). This is most probably his only medal entitlement.

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.

Coll.

Code: 62185