United Kingdom. A Pair of First War Medals to W.L. Clark

A small medal bar comprising two decorations, measures 71.5 mm (w), with horizontal pin on the reverse, with medals:

A British War Medal, in silver, rim impressed W. L. CLARK., dark patina, light contact, very fine. 

A Victory War Medal, in bronze gilt, rim impressed W. L. CLARK., light wear and gilt loss throughout, remains very fine. 

Contained in a hardshell case, burgundy leatherette exterior, velvet medalbed, measures 103 mm (w) x 86 mm (h) x 30 mm (d), functional clasp and hinge, contact marks throughout and light wear/discolouration, still very fine. 

Footnote: Based on the evidence, the pair of First World War British medals impressed only with “W.L. CLARK” on the rim were most likely awarded to an individual who served in the British Army during the conflict. The minimal naming suggests the recipient may have been a commissioned officer, as officers sometimes did not have a service number recorded on their medals, or possibly a civilian or auxiliary contributor attached to military operations. It is also possible that the recipient was associated with the French Red Cross Society, as rank and regiment were not included on their medals. 

The following individuals may have been the recipient: 

Lieutenant Willis Lumgair Clark of the PPCLI. He acted as a runner for Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) Stewart and was wounded 2 June 1916 at Sanctuary Wood during the Battle of Mount Sorrel. He was awarded the Military Medal for his actions during that action.

Captain Walter Llewellyn Clark served in the RAF. He died on May 23, 1917 when on an artillery patrol, his aircraft collided with a similar aircraft in the sky, crashing into the ground.