Lot 166
Killed In Action – Le Sars, Somme ‡
Clandestine Operations - Inc The D.J. Croll Medal Collection & Other Properties | M26002
Auction: 16 September 2026 at 10.30 BST
Description
The 1914 Star awarded to Private, later 2nd Lieutenant, George William Crutwell Burrows, who landed in France on the 5th of November 1914 with the 1/5th (City of London) Battalion (London Rifle Brigade) who was Commissioned on the 26th of August 1915 into the 9th Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry attached 7th Battalion the Leicester Regiment. He was Killed in action East of Les Sars, Somme on the 25th of August 1918, his body not being found until 1920 comprising, 1914 Star, (9988 Pte G. Burrows. 5/Lond: R.), the star is Gold plated, very fine (1)
Extract War Diary 7th Battalion Leicesters
25th August 1918
1PM. The Brigade was ordered to advance. The Battn. Moved to assembly position near Bute de Warlencourt. During the march word came through that 62 Brigade was being attacked in the high E. of Le Sars. A position was taken up as follows. “A” Coy on road W. Eaucourt L’Abbaye with right flank joining 6th Battalion. “B” Coy in centre in Trenches at M23a. “B” Coy on left about M23a 6.9 joined up with 62nd Brigade. The coming attack was postponed. The Bn having a few casualties including Captain Vanner DSO MC and Lt Fowke. The Battalion remained in its same position during the night. Enemy artillery and MGs were active, and some casualties were suffered including Lt Burrows killed in action and 2nd Lt Bone wounded.
George William Crutwell Burrows was the son of Henry George and Mary Jane Burrows of 55, Dartmouth Park Road, Kentish Town, London. His body was found at Map reference 57c.M22.b.9.1 in September 1920 he was re-buried in Warlencourt Road British Cemetery Plot 8 Row K Grave 30. He was 22 years old.
Sold with Copy Medal Index Card he is entitled to a 1914 Star and Clasp Trio, Copy War Diary entries, Commonwealth War Graves information.
Provenance – The London Medal Company
