Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Company Sergeant Major G. Burnop, 9th (Service) Battalion, Essex Regiment, who was severely wounded in the trenches at Givenchy, 19 December 1915, losing his leg and the use of an eye Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3-2520 [sic] C.S. Mjr: G. Burnop. 9/Essex: R.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2677 Serjt: G. Burnop. Essex Regt); 1914-15 Star (3-2550 C.S. Mjr G. Burnop. Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (3-2550 W.O. Cl. 2. G. Burnop. Essex. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (2677 C. Sjt: G. Burnop. Essex Regt) generally very fine or better (6) £1,000-£1,400 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1916; citation published 21 June 1916: ‘For consistent good work. He set a fine example of steady discipline in the trenches, and it was a great loss to his battalion when he was severely wounded, losing a leg and an eye.’ George Burnop was born in Colchester, Essex. He attested for the Essex Regiment in September 1889, and served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa, December 1901 - October 1902 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in October 1908). Burnop was discharged, 22 September 1910, having served 21 years with the Colours. Burnop re-engaged, and served during the Great War with the 9th (Service) Battalion, Essex Regiment in the French theatre of war from 30 May 1915. He was wounded, 19 December 1915, on which date the Battalion were in the trenches at Givenchy. Burnop was discharged, 6 July 1916 (entitled to Silver War Badge). Company Sergeant Major Burnop died aged 50, 22 December 1922, and is buried in Colchester Cemetery. M.I.D. unconfirmed. Sold with copied research.