Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Company Sergeant Major T. J. Mead, Rifle Brigade, who died of wounds on the Somme on 15 September 1916 Military Medal, G.V.R. (2429 Sjt: T. J. Mead. 9/Rif: Bde:) toned, minor edge nicks, good very fine £260-£300 --- M.M. London Gazette 27 October 1916. Thomas Joseph Mead was born in Brentwood, Essex and attested for the Rifle Brigade at Harwich, Essex, serving with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 20 December 1914. He advanced to Sergeant, and served with the 9th (Service) Battalion as part of the 42nd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division on the Somme. The Battalion were engaged at Delville Wood on 24 August 1916, and ‘entrained for Dernacourt (11/9). Moved to forward area and in line at Delville Wood by (15/9). Attack towards Flers - lost heavily from enfilade machine gun fire from right flank while approaching Bulls Road - Lieutenant-Colonel T. H. P. Morris mortally wounded and every other officer hit except one junior subaltern. Casualties - 294. To Montauban Alley (16/9)’ (British Battalions on the Somme, R. Westlake refers). Company Sergeant Major Mead died of wounds on the Western Front on 15 September 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.