New Seaham Gold Tribute Medal 48982 Corporal William Defty RGA M.M.

A rare original First World War period 'New Seaham Co. Durham Gold Tribute Medal made by 'VAUGHTON' and impressed with Birmingham 9 carat gold hallmarks for 1919, inscribed to the reverse 'PRESENTED TO W.DEFTY M.M. BY THE WORKMEN & FRIENDS OF NEW SEAHAM ON BEING AWARDED THE M.M. FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICES DURING THE GREAT WAR 1914 -1918'. Very good condition, complete with gold suspension ring.Diameter approx 28mm. Weight approx 14.7gms.48982 Corporal William Defty Royal Garrison Artillery was awarded the Military Medal in 1915, his name appearing in the London Gazette on the 25th June 1915.A native of Seaham Co.Durham he enlisted on the 14th December 1914 and was discharged on the 14th December 1918 with the issue of the Silver War Badge.The 1911 UK Census shows that William was the head of his household living at 5 Earl Street Seaham and worked in the local coal mine in the position of Deputy Overman.