A Great War 1916 'Western Front' M.M. group of four awarded to Private F. Howcroft, Essex...

A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private F. Howcroft, Essex Regiment Military Medal, G.V.R. (14308. Pte. F. Howcroft. Essex R.); 1914-15 Star (14308 Pte. F. Howcroft. Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (14308 Pte. F. Howcroft. Essex R.) light contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £300-£400 --- M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916. The Cambridge Daily News, 22 May 1917, gives the following details: ‘One of the youngest British soldiers to be decorated for bravery in the field is Private Frederick Howcroft, of the Essex Regiment, who has been awarded the Military Medal. Private Howcroft, whose home is in Stepney, was only 16 years old when he joined Kitchener's Army, but his sturdy appearance enabled him to pass for 19. When he performed his exploit last year he was only 17. His family heard of his bravery in a letter from his Colonel, praising him for his devotion and coolness, and stating that he had been recommended for the medal for rescuing several of his comrades from a shelled trench. Subsequently young Howcroft wrote describing how a shell burst in his trench killing and wounding several of the men.’ Frederick Howcroft attested for the Essex Regiment underage and served with the 10th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 26 July 1915. Awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the Battle of the Somme, he later transferred to the Royal Defence Corps. Sold with copied research.