During World War One, pocket watches were used as commemorative items, and this site references some of the Bolton made ones such as the Monk Brothers “Plucky Four” shown here.
This page is dedicated to the Waltham watch presented to Gunner John Glanville Seddon, of Farnworth, he would later serve as the mayor of the town in 1957.
J.G. Seddon earned the Meritorious Service Medal which during WW1 was issued for Gallantry in the field.
He was presented with a commemorative Watch by the people of Farnworth, Nr Bolton. He was one of a number of local servicemen who were also presented with gold watches by the District Council to mark gallantry in the field of action.
Made in 1917 the Waltham Watch was monogramed and engraved when presented to him, it reads “Presented to Gr. J.G. Seddon by the people of Farnworth in recognition of distinguished services rendered in the Great War 1914-1918”
The Gold cased Waltham watch from 1917,
is fitted with a gilt American Traveller movement…
and monogrammed case engraved ‘JGS‘
There is more information about J.G. Seddon on the Bolton Mayors website the link is here.
(Pictures and story by courtesy of Mike Cunliffe.)
Another WW1 watch issued to James Sharples of Farnworth can be seen here.
Another WW1 watch issued to John Walker of Farnworth can be found here.