Description
General Service Medal, bar Cyprus, 22801291 Corporal W.R. Harsmworth, Royal Signal, an official replacement medal marked Replacement on the rim.
Naming officially impressed: “22801291 CPL W R HARMSWORTH R SIGS (REPLACEMENT)”
Court mounted for wear, very neatly done mounting work, featuring a red scarlet cloth reverse, just like the Chelsea Pensioner’s coats, this typical on Chelsea Pensioner mounted medals.
The replacement medal was likely claimed when admitted into the Royal Hospital circa 1999, so that it could be worn on service.
Looks od
William Robin Harmsworth was born in Pancras, London on 22nd May 1934.
From his service number he must have joined the Army when he was about 18-20 years old somewhere between 1952-54, possibly being on National Service at the time.
In later life, William was admitted into Royal Hospital Chelsea to become one of their famous scarlet coated “Chelsea Pensioners”.
He is recorded on their website in their Book of Remembrance:
https://chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/book-remembrance?page=11
They recall that William was officially admitted into the Royal Hospital on 24th May 1999, 2 days after celebrating his 65th Birthday.
Only about 300 Veterans can be Chelsea Pensioners at a time.
He died there as a Chelsea Pensioner on 27th April 2006.
