WW1 BRITISH ARMY 1914 STAR & CLASP TRIO 3293 SGT BENNETT RIFLE BRIGADE

Description

Offered is a 1914 Star with ‘slip on’ clasp, 5^TH AUG-22^ND NOV.1914, impressed named 3293 P^TE E.BENNETT. 2/RIF:BRIG.; War and Victory Medal impressed named 3293 SJT.E.J.BENNETT. RIF. BRIG. The medals are unmounted and comes with copies medal index card & medal roll.

Ernest James Bennett’s service papers unfortunately did not survive the Blitz.

Based on his regimental number 3293 it is possible that he joined 1908-09. What is known about Ernest’s service is that he landed in France on 7/11/1914 with the 2^nd Battalion Rifle Brigade. In August 1914 they had been stationed at Kuldana in India. Sailed from Bombay on 20 September, landing at Liverpool on 22 October 1914. Moved to Hursley Park and came under orders of 25th Brigade in 8th Division. 6 November 1914 landed at Le Havre. At some stage he transferred to the 3^rd Battalion.

The 2^nd Battalion saw action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in March 1915, the Battle of Aubers Ridge in May 1915 and the Battle of the Somme in Autumn 1916 as well as the advance to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Pilckem Ridge in August 1917 and the Battle of Passchendaele in Autumn 1917 before taking part in the Battle of St Quentin in March 1918, the Battle of Rosieres in March 1918, the Third Battle of the Aisne in May 1918, the Battle of the Scarpe in August 1918 and the Final Advance in Artois.