British Empire Medal GRVI (Civil), 1914 (Mons Star & Clasp), British War Medal, Victory Medal, Coronation Medal 1937, Imperial Service Medal (9460 SJT. H.C.MCLELLAND.2/WELSH R.) The clasp a contemporary copy
H.C.MCLELLAND, 2nd. WELSH REGT. Harry Charles McLelland was born in Southwark, London on 28 September 1890. He enlisted with the 2nd Bn. Welsh Regiment on 15 August 1907 and saw action in WWI as a Sergeant in France and Flanders. He had an alias, using the names Harry Charles Sawyer on attestation and was also known as Harry John Charles McLelland. On discharge (transfer to the Reserve) he was given an Exemplary rating with the comment, "A sober, honest man of excellent character. Very trustworthy and wishes to join the Fire Brigade." He joined the General Post office instead.
He entered the theatre of war on 14 August 1914 and was an early casualty - being Wounded in Action on 25.9.1914 (Shell Wound Head and Finger). He was awarded the 1914 Star with the Mons clasp and Roses and was employed as an Officer's Servant and Cook.
He joined the Stores Department of the Post Office in February 1923 and, according to the 1939 Register, was a Junior Foreman in the Stores Department, living at 191 Merrow St, Southwark, London. It was in this capacity that he was awarded the British Empire Medal (London Gazette, 21 November 1950) for services rendered as the Foreman, Supplies Department, General Post Office. He was also awarded the Imperial Service Medal on retirement from the Post Office. He passed away in Marylebone on 20 June 1955.
