20th Aug, 2025 10:00
The Militaria Auction
BEM Military issue, WWI and WWII medals
A Military issue British Empire Medal, awarded to Robley Strong, with ribbon; a pair of First World War general service medals, awarded to 31683 Corporal F. Armstrong, Durham Light Infantry; and a group of Second World War general service medals, with Queen Elizabeth II Coronation medal.
Note: Gunner Robley Strong died on the 30th September 1917. He was killed in action whilst serving with the D Battery, 18th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, aged 23
He was born in 1894 near Castleside in County Durham and in 1911 was working as a farm worker at Street Side Farm on the A66 near Boldron. He enlisted at Richmond, Yorkshire and first served in France on 26 September 1915.
The Teesdale Mercury of 24 Oct 1917 reported that:-Mrs Strong, of Boldron, has received an intimation from Second-Lieutenant G. Proctor of the North Staffordshire Regiment, that her son, Private R. Strong, has been killed in action. The writer expresses the deepest sympathy of himself and all the officers, and adds: “I was sitting just outside the officers’ mess when suddenly a shell hit the cook-house, about five yards away, and your son was killed instantly. He always did his duty well, and was a brave fellow. His death has upset us all very much.” Second-Lieutenant Kenneth P. Sawyer says: “Private Strong was a favourite of both men and officers, and had always shown the greatest coolness and courage. His body was buried in a proper grave, and with military honours.”
Roll Of Honour
STRONG.-Killed in action on September 30th, 1917, Gunner Robley Strong, R.F.A., aged 23 years, dearly beloved son of George and Mary Strong of Boldron, Barnard Castle.- Deeply mourned by father, mother, brother, and sisters "Thy will be done."
Sold for £300
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Auction: The Militaria Auction, 20th Aug, 2025
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Tues 19/08/25 10am-3pm
