*British, WW1, Medal Pair to 56500 BMBR. J. SYKES, Royal Field Artillery (R.F.A.), 1914-15 Star & Victory Medal (2)*
A pleasing First World War medal pair to Bombardier John Sykes, Royal Field Artillery, comprising the 1914–15 Star and Victory Medal. The Star is correctly impressed 56500 A. BMBR. J. SYKES. R.F.A., and the Victory Medal 56500 BMBR. J. SYKES. R.A., both clearly named and perfectly consistent with the Medal Index Card. The MIC confirms entitlement to the British War Medal (not present) and gives roll references RFA/187B, p.1765 for the Victory Medal and 2 RFA/4 A-B, p.4328 for the 1914–15 Star. Both medals are on what appear to be original, well-used ribbons with an attractive, untouched patina.
Historical Note: John Sykes entered the Western European theatre (France) on 27 August 1915, landing as a reinforcement artilleryman at the age of 38—older than many of his comrades. Serving with D Battery, 104th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, he was part of the divisional artillery of 23rd Division, supporting front-line infantry with barrages, wire-cutting fire and counter-battery work during the hard trench fighting of 1915–16. The hospital records show that Sykes had nine months with the field force and 1 year 5 months’ total service before being taken out of the line in May 1916 suffering from hypermetropia (severe long-sightedness/eye strain). After a week’s treatment he was sent to the Base Depot at Le Havre and returned to duty, his promotion from Acting Bombardier to Bombardier reflecting a man trusted within his gun team. This pair therefore represents a mature, experienced artillery NCO who served continuously through a demanding year on the guns in France.
*Condition* Medals exhibit age-consistent surface wear and toning, with clear, sharp naming on both pieces. The Victory Medal retains much of its original finish with some rubbing from handling; the Star shows pleasing bronze patina with minor marks from service and storage only. Ribbons are period examples, somewhat faded and frayed at the ends but entirely sound for display. No damage affecting the integrity of the medals. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
