WW1 1914 Mons Star and Bar Group and WW2 Normandy Casualty Medal Group to Father & Son – Pte. S. Hirst, 5th Royal Irish Lancers and Spr. F. Hirst, 79 Assault Sqdn. Royal Engineers

A first world war and second world war Normandy casualty father and son medal group to Private Samuel Hirst and Sapper Frederick Hirst. 

Group One: (father)
6614 Private Samuel Hirst, 5th Royal Irish Lancers 

1914 Mons Star (with 5th Aug. – 22nd Nov. 1914 clasp) named to 6614 Pte. S. Hirst. 5 / Lrs. 
British War Medal named to 5L-6614 Pte. S. Hirst. 5-Lrs. 
WW1 Victory Medal named to 5L-6614 Pte. S. Hirst. 5-Lrs. 
WW2 Defence Medal unnamed as issued 

The medals are in good condition. 

Group Two: (Son)
2114991 Sapper Frederick Hirst, 79 Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers 

1939-45 Star unnamed as issued 
France and Germany Star unnamed as issued 
WW2 Defence Medal unnamed as issued 
War Medal 1939-45 unnamed as issued 

Died – 9th June 1944

The group comes with a handwritten letter from Frederick Hirst to his mother and father (Samuel Hirst) which was sent whilst he was serving during the war. 

The letter reads:
  ‘Dear Dad & Ma, Sorry I am a bit late in answering your letter, but we have been on the move again, well Dad I hope you are all keeping in better health these days and all got rid of your colds, also enjoyed your xmas and New Year, it leaves me still in the pink at the time of writing, I also received the 6/- from the club so thanks a lot Dad for the trouble of putting me in for it. I like the photo of Irene very much and by the looks of her, she is getting into a very nice young lady now, and I bet they are all growing up fine kiddies too, so if I am lucky enough to get another leave, I shall have to be having a trip over again to see if George is big enough yet to give me a good hiding, things seem to be moving pretty fast now don’t they, so according to the news on the wireless and the papers, it won’t be long before things are hapening on a big scale, its before time though as everybody is just about fed up with the war now, I for one am ready for a change into the old civvies again, how is Ma keeping these days for I hope she is OK, give her all my love Dad and lets hope we shall see each other again very soon, my xmas was not so bad but I have had a lot better, so for now I will say cheerio and the very best of luck to you in the New Year all my love from your ever loving son
Fred xxxxxxx 
  you will notice I have been on the move again Dad and believe me its colder than Hades up here, also up to the knee’s in sow. time is drawing very near now so it won’t be long before the fireworks start, the sooner the better and lets get it over with, you will understand Dad that I can’t tell you anything for security reasons, but it won’t be long now, give my love to all at home and take good care of yourselves tons and tons of love from your ever loving son
Fred xxxxxxxx’

Also comes with a newspaper cutting which states ‘Spr. F. Hirst, was reported missing on June 9th of this year, in the invasion of Normandy, have now received official information that he is presumed dead.’ 

Era: WW1 and WW2