Family Group. A Second World War 'Normandy Campaign' / ' Operation Market Garden' group relating to T/10662359 Driver JOSEPH ERNEST GWILLIAM, Royal Army Service Corps (379 General Transport Company)
Comprising a set of four medals, mounted to a bar: 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal and 1939-45 War Medal; a 'Thank you Liberators' anniversary medal in the original case, with a letter from the '50 Years of Liberation, Eindhoven' Foundation; War Department Driving Permit dated 1946; set of five replica and unofficial medals, comprising 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, 1939-45 War Medal, Defence Medal and a Normandy medal (numbered 6068), mounted in a glazed display case together with a cap badge, portrait photograph and a nameplate engraved to 'T/10662359 DVR. J.E. GWILLIAM R.A.S.C 379 GT COMPANY'; a captured German Hitler Youth knife by Knecht & Co, with RZM and maker mark but no motto (de-Nazified); an Armed Forces Veteran enamel lapel badge (boxed, with MOD compliments slip): Market Garden 1944-1989 commemorative medal, three German banknotes; wartime paperwork including marriage allowance forms, Soldier's Pay and Service Book, Mechanical Transport Drivers Identification card and permits; together with post-war Reservist documentation, driving licenses, a national identity card, Regimental pass, Release Book, Prevention of Accident Diplomas and two Safe Driving Award medals with clasps 1957 - 1972.

Sold together with a small group of WW1 items relating to 269651 Corporal George Gwilliam, Royal Engineers.
comprising seven silk postcards, a bronze medal inscribed '265th Railway Construction Company, Royal Engineers - Presented to Cpl. G. Gwilliam, R.E.', in Spink & Son case, two black and white portrait postcards of Cpl. Gwilliam, one dated 25th December 1917 (a day before he died), two replica WW1 medals, WW1 National Registration cards, four other photographs and a scarce WW1 period field cutlery set by J. U James & Sons, comprising of knife and fork with polished mahogany handles, which slide together to form the set.

Driver Joseph Ernest Gwilliam (b. 29th June 1922). Enlisted at Kirkham and Wesham on 31st October 1941 with a civilian trade on enlistment as a van driver. Gwilliam's soldier's service pay book shows numerous training qualifications from 1942-1944 and an embarkation date to join the British Liberation Army on 17th June 1944, alongside medal entitlements. His release book describes his military conduct as 'Very Good. A capable driver with a sound knowledge of vehicle maintenance. He is keen, hardworking and conscientious and may be relied upon to work without supervision. Honest, trustworthy and clean." Gwilliam was a local man born in Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury.

Ernest's paternal uncle, Corporal George Gwilliam, died on 26th December 1917 due to heart failure aggravated by active service and is buried in France.