British War Medal (351415 PTE. J. THORNTON. MANCH.R.); Victory Medal (351415 PTE. J. THORNTON. MANCH.R.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal GVIR, clasp Long Service 1948 (JOHN THORNTON) - in original box of issue labelled 818 Shropshire.
John Thornton was born in Heywood, Lancashire on 4 May 1897. He attested for service in WWI ns was posted to the 2/5th Manchester Regiment. It was whilst serving with them that he was taken Prisoner of War at Villeret on 21 March 1918. On that day the Manchester Regiment fought a fierce engagement at Villeret during the German Spring Offensive, where the 2/6th Battalion held a reserve position near the Battle Zone. They were involved in heavy fighting, eventually forced to withdraw after a strong resistance that was overcome by the use of gas and flamethrowers. Meanwhile, the 16th Battalion, defending Manchester Hill near Villeret, was overwhelmed, and almost the entire battalion was killed or wounded in a heroic last stand.
Her was held at the Stalag in Cassel where the Germans noted his rank as Sergeant on the Red Cross Register.
After the war had ended and he was released, he became a very successful businessman, with the 1939 Register recording that he was a Director and Secretary in the Glass and Chrome trade living at 20 Boyd's Walk, Dukinfield. He was also a Special Constable for Cheshire.
He died in August 1990 at Tameside, Manchester at the age of 93.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with some research.
