EXCEEDINGLY RARE DURHAM PALS ESCAPERS MILITARY MEDAL GROUP

EXCEEDINGLY RARE DURHAM PALS ESCAPERS MILITARY MEDAL GROUP to 18/315 SJT E R Little 18th DLI: MM - 18-315 SJT E R Little 18/ Durh LI; 1914/15 Star - 18-315 Pte E R Little Durh LI; Pair - 18-315 Pte E R Little Durh LI, Correctly impressed, swing mounted as worn. Condition - GVF Edward Rutherford Little was born in 1887 in Lupton, Westmoreland just outside of Kendal. At the time of the 1911 census, Little was working as an Elementary School Teacher in Ebchester, Durham. An original member of the 18th battalion Durham Light Infantry, he was given service number 18/315. He landed in Egypt with the 18th on 22nd December 1915. Little is pictured on page 75 of John Sheen's book on the Pals, where it is noted that he became a prisoner of war in 1918. He was awarded the Military Medal, gazetted on 30th January 1920 which states; 'His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards in recognition of gallant conduct and determination displayed in escaping or attempting to escape from captivity, which services have been brought to notice in accordance with the terms of Army Order 193 of 1919'. In his excellent book ' The Great War Medal Collectors Companion' the author Howard Williams States; ' As far as I can ascertain, only successful escapes were rewarded'. In 1928 he became Headmaster of Medomsley C.E School in County Durham and passed away in 1950.