WW1 Silver War Badge (SWB) to Gunner John Charles Dunning, 142nd Siege Battery RGA (Tynemouth)

A first pattern SWB officially impressed 258508 awarded to Gunner John Charles Dunning, 142 Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). An unmarked silver circlet inscribed 'For King And Empire Services Rendered' bearing crowned 'GRI' Imperial Cypher to voided centre. In very good condition, dark toned, original C clasp (slightly twisted) and original pin (east - west fitting). Circa 32mm in diameter. Copy of CD version of SWB roll entry and copy of WW1 Medal Index Card (MIC) to be supplied.

78967 Gunner John Charles Dunning did serve overseas according to his SWB entry but no date is given although he was entitled to a BWM and VM. He enlisted on 28th April 1916 and was discharged on 6th November 1917, aged 27.

The 142nd Siege Battery was raised at Tynemouth on 22nd May 1916. This battery were equipped with 4 x 6 inch Howitzers, each gun with a maximum firing range of about 9,500 yards and manned by a crew of ten men, sending large calibre high explosive shells in high trajectory, plunging fire, with the aim of destroying or neutralising the enemy artillery, as well as putting destructive fire down on strongpoints, dumps, store, roads and railways behind enemy lines. . The Battery entered France on 9th August 1916 during the continuation of the Somme offensive and remained on the Western Front.

Approximately 1,150,000 badges were issued to all services, which had to be claimed and then approved. The first pattern SWB was issued between September 1916 and March 1918, and these were of a better quality than most later stampings. Around 335,000 of these early badges were issued to all services.

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Code: 62088