Military Medal, G.V.R. (Z-2108 Pte W. Porter. Rif: Bde:), extremely fine M.M.: London Gazette: 27 October 1916 – ‘for bravery in the field’ Acting-Corporal William Porter, of Oxford Street, St. Helens, Lancashire, served with the 12th Battalion, Rifle Brigade on the Western Front during the Great War and was awarded the Military Medal as per the London Gazette of 27 October 1916. According to the ‘Great War Medal Collector’s Handbook (Vol I)’ by Williamson, M.M. awards covered in this gazette range from 13 March 1915 to 18 September 1916, and include a number of Somme awards for the 1st of July, Gommecourt, Delville Wood and others.Acting-Corporal Porter was later killed in action on 20 November 1917, this date representing the first in a major offensive at Cambrai including the 10th, 11th and 12th Battalion of the Rifle Brigade. In this attack, the 12th Battalions followed behind numerous tanks, going ‘over the top’ across 1000 yards of ground in front of the defending German forces into machine gun fire and an artillery barrage. Despite one officer killed (2 Lt. Holliday), one wounded (Capt. G. F. Visser), and ‘under forty’ other ranks killed from the 12th Battalion, the attack was considered a success and its main objectives were taken.He is remembered with honour at the Cambrai Memorial, Louerval, and a short memorial entry was placed in the St. Helens Newspaper & Advertiser ‘in loving memory’ of the recipient on 21 November 1919.

Estimate: GBP 150 - 200