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 !