An Unusual Great War and WW2 Group of 4 with French ‘Médaille De La Reconnaissance Française’ awarded to Private Richard Moley, 2nd and 6th Battalions, East Lancashire Regiment, comprising: British War and Victory Medals, 1914-1919 (21125 Pte. R. Moley. E. Lan. R.); Defence Medal, 1939-1945; France, Medal of French Gratitude, 2nd type, ‘gold’ award in gilt metal with rosette upon ribbon; Group swing-mounted on bar, set into a display on card, with matching miniatures below; With: 1914-15 Star (1887 Pte. J. Costello, E. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals, 1914-1919 (1887 Pte. J. Costello. E. Lan. R.); Group crudely swing-mounted, first group generally good very fine and a rare combination of awards, the second group about very fine only (11). Private Richard Moley is confirmed on the medal rolls as having served during the Great War with the 2nd and 6th Battalions of the East Lancashire Regiment. His M.I.C. gives an intriguing post-war address with the ‘Smithfield & Argentine Meat Co., Zarate F.C.C.A., República Argentina’, but his French award does not appear to have been gazetted, and neither can it be found in ‘Honour the Recipients of Foreign Awards’ by Michael Maton. His WW2 Service, and this French award, remain unconfirmed, but worthy of further research. Private Joseph Costello is confirmed in the Medal Rolls as having served with the 4th (Territorial) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment during the Great War, and then later with the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

Estimate: GBP 200 - 250