Description
Complete Family Casualty groups in original packets of the Sinclair Brothers, from Lancashire, including Military Medal, WW1 Pair and Plaque, and WW1 Pair and Plaque.
Both plaques in an untouched state, with original paper packet, inside original cardboard case, inside the sending packet of issue, inside are the original medal issue slips as well as condolence slips.
It appears the family could not bring themselves to open the groups.
1. 444309 Sapper James Sinclair M.M. 42nd East Lancashire Divisional Signal Company Royal Engineers, Killed in Action German Spring Offensive, 25th March 1918.
Military Medal, with original issue letter, officially impressed: “444309 Pr J. Sinclair. 42/E. Lanc. D.S. Coy R.E. – T.F.”
British War and Victory Medal, in original boxes of issue
Memorial Plaque, in original packets of issue
With original slip for the M.M. being awarded posthumously to his mother, “Madam, herewith M.M. awarded to the late No 444309 J. Sinclair R.E. as requested” from the Colonel in Charge of R.E. Records.
Military Medal awarded in the London Gazette on 19th November 1917, for services in France.
He would not live to receive it, having died before it was to be issued.
James Sinclair, went missing in action on 25th March 1918, only a few days after the launch of the German Spring Offensive, which began on 21st March.
His body was never found, his family sent in a British Red Cross enquiry hoping to locate him on 2nd August 1918.
They never found his body, so he was declared as Killed in Action on 25th March 1918, and is instead commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
2. 944114 Gunner Alexander Sinclair, “D” Battery, 210th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, part of the East Lancashire Division.
Died of Wounds on 5th September 1918.
British War and Victory Medal, in original boxes of issue
Memorial Plaque, in original packet of issue
3. British War and Victory Medal Pair, WW2 Defence Medal, in original box of issue, awarded to Mr David Gradwell Sinclair, Ashton on Mersey, Cheshire, former Private 6660 Yorkshire Regiment.
With matching miniatures.
Officially impressed: “6660 Pte D.G. Sinclair. York. R.”
David Gradwell Sinclair, born during 1889 in Manchester, Lancashire.
Served during WW1 with the 2/5th Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment.
Attested for service on 22nd February 1916.
Posted to France 22nd September 1916.
Promoted Acting Paid Sergeant on 8th March 1918.
With copy service papers.
THE FAMILY
The Sinclairs were a local family living in South Manchester.
In 1911, all of the family lived together at 1 Orchard Street in South Manchester, Lancashire.
The father, Duncan Sinclair (born 1861 in Birkenhead, Cheshire) was a Shop Keeper of a local “Off License”
His wife Charlotte (born 1861 in Manchester), was Assisting him in the shop.
David Gradwell Sinclair (Number 3 Yorkshire Regiment), was the oldest Brother born 1889, and was working as a Law Clerk.
James Sinclair (Number 1 Military Medal R.E.), was slightly younger born 1891, and working as an Electrical Engineer.
Alexander Sinclair (Number 2 R.F.A., the youngest, born 1894, was working as a Clerk for a Rope and Twine Merchant.
They had another brother, Duncan born 1892, an Accountants Clerk.
After the war in 1921, the home was left with just the Mother and Father, along with Duncan, who worked as a Civil Service Clerk for H.M. Inspector of Taxes.
David Gradwell Sinclair, had married Elizabeth Agnes Sinclair, a local girl and moved in with her family, the Hamnetts in 1 Beresford Street, Moss Side, South Manchester.
