Lot 9
Killed in Action Zillebeke 1915 ‡
Clandestine Operations - Inc The D.J. Croll Medal Collection & Other Properties | M26002
Auction: 16 September 2026 at 10.30 BST
Description
A 1914 Star with Bar Casualty Trio with Memorial Plaque awarded to Private Thomas Clabburn, “B” Coy 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment who was Killed in Action whilst on a digging party at Zillebeke, the Ypres Salient on the 26th of May 1915. Comprising 1914 Star with Original Aug-Nov Clasp, (3-7976 Pte T. Clabburn. 1/Norf: R.), 1914-1920 British War and Victory Medals (3-7976 Pte. Clabburn. Norf. R.), Memorial Plaque (Thomas Clabburn), very fine (4)
Thomas Clabburn originally enlisted into the Norfolk Regiment on the 24th of July 1895 stating that he was an 18-year-old labourer from Islington, London. He had previously served with the 1st and 4th Battalions of the Norfolk Regiment Volunteer Battalion. He served in India from 1898 to 1904 and South Africa from 1904 to 1907. He was discharged on the 23rd of July 1907 after 12 years’ Service with the Colours. He reenlisted into the Norfolk Regiment serving with “B” Company, 1st Battalion, landing in France on the 9th of October 1914. Gunshot Wound to ear in April 1915 being mentioned in the 4th Stationary Hospital admissions and discharge book which was located at Arques. The War Diary for 1st Norfolks for May is just a set of notes; they must have lost the original. They're sending digging parties to Zillebeke. Total casualties 10 killed, 50 wounded. No entry for 26th.
Ray Westlake in British Battalions on the Western Front January to June 1915 says of 1st Norfolks for May 1915: Remained at Verbrandenmolen sector, resting at Ouderdom Regimental history by F Loraine Petrie records 75 casualties from gas attack on 5th May.
Private Clabburn in buried in Sanctuary Woods Cemetery, Plot 4, Row E, Grave 15. He was the Son of Mrs M. A. Clabburn of 1 Palace Yard Barrack Street and the Husband of E. Clabburn of 25 Palace Yard, Barrack Street, Norwich. He was 38 Years old
Sold with Original letter from the Army Records Centre dated 18th August 1966, confirming the death of Private Clabburn, copy Medal Index Card confirming clasp, copy medal rolls, copy Hospital Book, copy Service Papers, Commonwealth War Graves Information and copy photo of headstone.
