Description
Military Medal, GV, with original Second Award Bar, 1914-15 Star Trio, G-4793 Sgt George James Sheppard, 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, a local Londoner.
With a comprehensive research folder including full service papers, medal rolls, London Gazette entries, census and genealogical research.
M.M. officially impressed: “G-4793 Pte G. J. Sheppard. 13/R. Fus”
1914-15 Star officially impressed: “G-4793 Pte G. J. Sheppard R. Fus:”
BWM and Victory officially impressed: “GS-4793 Sjt. G. J. Sheppard. R. Fus.”
Military Medal announced in the London Gazette, 10th November 1916 (Typically Somme awards from July 1916)
Bar to the Military Medal announced in the London Gazette, 9th July 1917.
“Now sir, my character has not been sent to me or paper to the effect that I have won the Military Medal with bar, although I have received the medals,
I was decorated by General Allenby in France with the ribbon of Military Medal and by General Plumer with my bar in France.
Am I not entitled to papers to the effect that I have won these decorations? At present I have not a paper to show my authority to wear these decorations, if I was asked by the police to show cause why I was wearing them I could show nothing and may be arrested as an impostor pending an inquiry. I do not wish for that to happen as a I feel proud of my Military Record, also my army Character I do not possess which would certainly help me should I apply anywhere for employment.” – A letter in his service papers.
George Sheppard was a 34 year old Londoner when he joined the newly formed 13th Bn Royal Fusiliers in London during September 1914. He went to France and received numerous promotions, he was decorated with the Military Medal in the London Gazette on 11th November 1916, some research suggests he was decorated for the Battle of Bazentin Ridge on 14th July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, and his 2nd award bar was gazetted on 9th July 1917, believed to be for Arras from 9th to 13th April 1917.
George James Sheppard, was born circa 1880 in London, Middlesex, the son of George and Hannah Sheppard, a Painter.
He grew up on Burgess Street in Limehouse, Stepney, London.
When the war began, the Royal Fusiliers in London, raised many service battalions as they sent the Regular Army to France.
on 13th September 1914, the 13th Service Battalion was formed at Hounslow, almost immediately 34 year old Sheppard enlisted and joined the newly formed battalion 17th September 1914.
After undergoing training he landed with the battalion to fight in the war at Boulogne on 30th July 1915.
All service in France was with 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, His service and promotions:
Promoted Lance Corporal – 10th June 1916
Corporal – 27th June 1916
Promoted Lance Sergeant – 2nd May 1917
Sergeant – 17th June 1917.
Discharged on 26th March 1919 having served 3 years 243 days and 314 days with the Army Reserve.
