A group of eight medals, spanning the two World Wars of the 20th century, awarded to George James are to go under the Charterhouse hammer on Friday 13th June in their auction of collectors’ items, clocks and antiques.
“George James was a local lad who was born in Sherborne in 1893 and joined the Royal Navy as a young cadet in 1907/08. Over his long and distinguished career of over 40 years he served in the Persian Gulf campaign 1909/14, the First World War, the Baltic campaign and the Second World War, finishing up as a Chief Petty Officer.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Long groups such as this with medals including the Royal Naval Meritorious Service Medal and Naval General Service Medal, and having a strong local interest rarely come onto the auction market today command huge levels of interest in the market.”
George James married Winnifred Crabb in 1921 and they had one son, Jack, who was born in 1924 and educated at Foster’s School, Sherborne. George’s parents were John James and Mary Lane. Mary was also a local girl whose family tree can be traced back to 1713 when Robert Lane was recorded as a farmer living in Thornford, just a couple of miles away from Sherborne. Mary two nephews Mark and Gilbert, who were both killed in the First World War, and there is a memorial to Gilbert (killed on the Somme) in Thornford church.
Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist auctions including collectors’ items, medals & militaria in June, classic cars and motorbikes in July and Beswick & Royal Doulton in August. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.
Auction info www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk