A Rare 17th Battalion Tank Corps WW1 2nd Battle of Cambrai, Irish War of Independence & Special Constabulary Long Service Medal Trio to 308917 Pte W.E. Bannister, 17th Batalion Tank Corps.

Wilfred Ernest Bannister was born on the 14th September 1897, at Smethwick, West Midlands, and attested on the 4th April 1916, joining the ranks of the Royal Flying Corps. Wilfred transfered to the Tank Corps on the 13th February, 1918, serving with the 17th Battalion on the Western Front from the 27th of April 1918, where the battalion was to see action during the 2nd Battle of Cambrai.

Wilfred continued to serve with the 17th battalion on the Western Front through to the 12th March 1919, when the 17th Battalion was transfered to Dublin to assist the British Crown Forces with the fight against the I.R.A. in the Irish War of Independence.

He served in Dublin through to the 2nd April 1919, when he was discharged suffering with a nervious condition. Included in the copy research are some online print outs of the activities of the 17th Battalion in Ireland during the early troubles.

Post War, Wilfred went back to life working as a Master Pawn Broker and also a Special Constable - 1939 Census refers to both.

The medals are mounted for display on original ribbons, sold with some good copied research, and are as follows -

British War & Victory Medals, 308917 PTE. W.E. BANNISTER. TANK CORPS.; G.VI Special Constabulary Long Serrvice Medal, WILFRED E. BANNISTER.

Condition, very fine +

Pte Wilfred Bannister is NOT entitled to a 1914/15 Star