Description
A Great War Immediate MSM Group of three awarded to Acting Corporal William Robert Baskett, Electrical Engineers Section Royal Engineers late 1/5th Battalion City of London Rifles, comprising, 1914-1920 British War and Victory Medals, (3751 A. Cpl W.R. Baskett. 5-1 Lond. R.), Meritorious Service Medal, GVR, (WR-10379 A. Cpl W.R. Baskett E.E.S.R.E.), mounted for wear victory medal scratches to obverse of Victory Medal otherwise very fine.
MSM London Gazette 17th June 1918
His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war.
William Robert Baskett was born in Lewisham on the 18th January 1896. He Enlisted into the 1/5th Battalion City of London Rifles on the 6th December 1915 singing the Imperial Service Obligation the same day. He was stationed Home from the 6th December 1915 to the 9th July 1916 when he proceeded to France. He served with the 1/5th Battalion October 1916 when he was attached to No.2 Entrenching Battalion as an Acting (paid) Corporal. He was transferred to the Royal Engineers on the 23rd November 1917 being given the number WE (Waterways & Railways) 10379. He was awarded the Superior rate of Engineer Pay on the 15th September 1918. He was demobilised on the 23rd May 1919.
In later life he was made a Freeman of the City Of London and was admitted to the Worshipful Company of Basket Makers on the 20th July 1927. He died on the 7th July 1971 aged 75 leaving £34,145 in his will.
Sold with Copy Service papers confirming Service numbers and award of the MSM, copy Medal Index card and copy genealogical information.
