United Kingdom. A Lot of First War Cheshire Insignia, to Pte. Thornley, M.M Recipient

Two First War Cap Badges, in brass and white metal, slider on the reverse, measures 53 mm (w) x 43 mm (h), light wear, both very fine. 

A Cheshire Shoulder Title, in brass, two lugs on the reverse (one has been replaced), measures 51 mm (w) x 20 mm (w), light wear, in very fine condition.

A Wound Stripe, in brass, reverse embossed LAMBOURNE’S BRIMINGHAM, with two lugs, measures 50.7 mm (w) x 4.3 mm (h), very fine.

Footnote: Thomas Thornley was born in 1886, in Crewe. He served with the 1st Cheshire Regiment. He was discharged in March 1919, following the amputation of both of his arms. 

The newspaper clip reads “when the First World War broke out Mr. Thornley was assistant superintendent of the Crewe branch of the Wesleyan and General Assurance Society. He joined the Cheshire Regiment and was wounded at Passchendaele. He was awarded the Military Medal for carrying and dressing the wounded and acting as stretcher bearer under heavy fire for 24 hours without a break. A bursting shell buried him alive and when he was dug out his injuries were so severe that both his arms were amputated at the elbow.” 

Thornley died at the age of 67.