Baldwin's of St. James's
Auction 13 27 Nov 2017
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Military Orders and Medals, Campaign Groups and Pairs, A 1914/15 Trio to a 20th 'Wearside Pals' Battalion Durham Light Infantry Officer Casualty, awarded to Captain W.R. Eppstein, a native of Smyrna, Asia Minor and one of only 16 men who volunteered from Smyrna, wounded Gallipoli, Died of Wounds Ypres sector, comprising: 1914-15 Star (Lieut. W.R. Eppstein); 1914-1920 British War Medal (Capt. W.R. Eppstein); the Victory Medal (a good quality unnamed copy); Memorial Plaque (William Reginald Eppstein), toned fine, plaque lightly polished (3)
William Reginald Eppstein was the son of Maurice Reginald and Lucy Jane Epstein of Smyrna, Asia Minor. Educated at Reading School (where his father was the Headmaster) and in 1908 was a member of the 1st XV Rugby Football team. At the outbreak of war, he volunteered for service at the British Consulate at Smyrna and was commissioned Temporary Lieutenant 29/12/14 in 17th (Reserve) Battn, Durham Light Infantry.
To Gallipoli in July 1915 (probably attached to a Manchester Regt battalion) and was wounded there 16/7/15. Later promoted Captain and posted to 20th 'Wearside Pals' Battn, Durham Light Infantry. Captain Eppstein Died of Wounds 4th September 1918 and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
In total only 16 men who came from the British Community in Smyrna volunteered their services, with Eppstein's name being commemorated on the small tablet in the Church of St. John's in Smyrna. At the time of his death, Captain Eppstein was engaged to Miss Phyllis Bicknell of Highbridge, Somerset (Ref: Imperial War Museum manuscript letter). His next of kin came from Romford, Essex.
With a copy of 'The Old Redingensian' School magazine, which carries the Eppstein family's coat of arms on the cover and an illustrated 5 page article about his father and family. Also with several digital images, including W. R. Eppstein in the 1908 Rugby Football Team and the School War Memorial, plus supporting documentation.
(450-500 GBP)
William Reginald Eppstein was the son of Maurice Reginald and Lucy Jane Epstein of Smyrna, Asia Minor. Educated at Reading School (where his father was the Headmaster) and in 1908 was a member of the 1st XV Rugby Football team. At the outbreak of war, he volunteered for service at the British Consulate at Smyrna and was commissioned Temporary Lieutenant 29/12/14 in 17th (Reserve) Battn, Durham Light Infantry.
To Gallipoli in July 1915 (probably attached to a Manchester Regt battalion) and was wounded there 16/7/15. Later promoted Captain and posted to 20th 'Wearside Pals' Battn, Durham Light Infantry. Captain Eppstein Died of Wounds 4th September 1918 and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
In total only 16 men who came from the British Community in Smyrna volunteered their services, with Eppstein's name being commemorated on the small tablet in the Church of St. John's in Smyrna. At the time of his death, Captain Eppstein was engaged to Miss Phyllis Bicknell of Highbridge, Somerset (Ref: Imperial War Museum manuscript letter). His next of kin came from Romford, Essex.
With a copy of 'The Old Redingensian' School magazine, which carries the Eppstein family's coat of arms on the cover and an illustrated 5 page article about his father and family. Also with several digital images, including W. R. Eppstein in the 1908 Rugby Football Team and the School War Memorial, plus supporting documentation.
(450-500 GBP)