The following information has been extracted from
pages 84, 96 - 97 in Chapter 9 of my book,
"Peerless Powditch's", Vol 3, 'Norfolk Vacated' (1989)
- the Chapter of which is accessible on this website, by clicking
POWDITCH, George (1889-1974)
Background History
George, was born on 29 March 1889, at Whitemoor Hall, Belper.

Employed as a farm labourer at Belper in his youth, George - just 24 days before his 18th birthday -
enlisted in the army, "joining-up" on 5 March 1907.

For the next 14 years and 127 days, he was to serve his King and Country both in Bombay, India -
where he was on the "Provo' Staff" - and in France, where, as a Regimental Sergeant Major (R.S.M.),
he served in "The Sherwood Foresters" during the 1914 - 1918 World War. After the War, he
remained with the "Foresters" as a "drilling instructor".
Medals
By the time of his discharge, on 9 July 1921, George was the recipient [of] the 1914 Star, the British
War Medal, the Victory Medal, the D.E.M. and the M.M. - the latter having been awarded for
having....."distinguished himself during operations near Ginchy". He similarly distinguished himself
near Ypres.

The first three medals were known as "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred" (from the newspaper cartoon
characters).

The 1914 Star (also called the "Mons Star"), was a 4-pointed star, behind crossed Swords,
superimposed with a crowned wreath, a central scroll being inscribed "1914". The medal was given
to Officers and men who served with a unit between 5 August 1914, and midnight on 22/23 November
1914.

The British War Medal bears effigy of the King, and on the reverse, St. George on horseback. The
Victory Medal shows a winged figure of Victory. Both medals were given to those who served
overseas for a period between 5 August 1914, and 11 November 1918 - with the Victory Medal
being given only to those who served in a "theatre of war".

Written by Col. H. C. Wylley, C.B. and published by Gale and Polden, the book "1st and 2nd
Battalions - The Sherwood Foresters; Nottingham and Derbyshire Regiment -in the Great War" -
was presented to George, by the Sherwood Foresters. At the rear of the book, a list of names
includes, "Sgt. Powditch, G. No.10302 Military Medal".
Further Comments
His nephew related to me (in 1988) the story of how George (the R.S.M.) was due to be presented
with a number of distinguished medals for his actions during the war. A special ceremony had been
arranged for a leading light of Belper - J. Arthur Strutt - to present the relevant medals, but on the
day George didn't turn up to receive them. After searching for George, they eventually found him,
drunk, in the Talbot Arms public house !
 Auction of George Powditch's WW1 Medals  (United Kingdom  -  2003)
Lot 521 : [ Medals ] A Great War D.C.M., M.M. group of seven to Warrant Officer
G. Powditch, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct.

According to the website Artfact, an auction was held in the UK in 2003, in which the medals of George Powditch were sold.

Although I do not know anything further, such as whether the medals were actually sold, for how much, and to whom, the following hopefully will be of interest.

Description:
[ Medals ] A Great War D.C.M., M.M. group of seven to
Warrant Officer G. Powditch, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (10302 Sjt., M.M., 2/Notts. & Derby. R.);
Military Medal, G.V.R. (10302 Sjt., 2 N. & D. R.);
1914 Star with clasp (10302 Pte., 1/Notts & Derby. R.);
British War and Victory Medals (10302 W.O. Cl. 2, Notts & Derby R.);
Defence; Special Constabulary L.S., G.VI.R., 1st issue (George Powdich) minor edge bruising and contact marks, very fine and better
(7) E900-1100 D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a hostile attack, when he personally led three bombing attacks, and in spite of heavy casualties he successfully drove the enemy back each time. Later, a hostile machine gun having come up, he rushed out, bombed the crew and brought the machine gun back. His utter disregard for personal safety and fine example were beyond all praise. M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1916. N.B. Although the latter information was extracted from two websites (which agreed with each other), a check of the London Gazette has revealed that the date of the notice was actually 30 August 1918, for which the entry can be read by clicking on this link: London Gazette for 30 Aug 1918