Should brothers be remembered together?

Chilcotts Auctioneers recently received medals belonging to two Awliscombe brothers that have unearthed a story of unequal commemoration.

Brothers George and James Hine were both born in Awliscombe and both fought in the First World War.

Tragically, Private George Hine of the 8th Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment, was killed on 14 July 2016 during the early days of the Battle of the Somme. He is commemorated on the Awliscombe War Memorial.

George’s brother James served in India with the Volunteer unit 1/4th Battalion, also of the Devonshire Regiment. He survived his active service, was discharged and died of an illness in August 1916. James was given a Commonwealth War Grave in Awliscombe churchyard, indicating that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) believed he died of something contracted whilst on active service.

However, James is not commemorated on the memorial, as he wasn’t on active service when he died.

Auctioneer, Duncan Chilcott said: “It seems a sad fact that whilst George’s name is on the memorial, his brother isn’t.

“We have been thinking that it would be a nice gesture to find out if his name could be listed next to his brother’s name on the war memorial, perhaps in time for next year, the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1.”

In the meantime, the Honiton auctioneer is selling the medals in one lot, so they should stay together when passed on to the next purchaser. They are expected to sell for between £100 and £150 when they are put up for auction at the Chilcotts December 2 Fine Art, Antiques and Collectors Items sale at the Silver Street sale room. For more information visit chilcottsauctioneers.co.uk