A Bible that saved the life of a First World War British soldier by deflecting a bullet aimed at his chest could fetch thousands at auction after emerging 108 years later. Private John William Webb was carrying the Bible in his tunic pocket when he encountered a barrage of machine gun fire in France in 1918. However, the regulation-issue book, which numerous servicemen kept close to their hearts, intercepted the bullet, stopping its lethal trajectory at page 685.
The sacred text, with the bullet hole still plainly visible, will now be sold at Hansons Auctioneers. It is anticipated to reach approximately £1,200 when it goes under the hammer in Etwall, Derbyshire, on May 27.
A Lucky Talisman
The auctioneer's militaria specialist, Matt Crowson, said: "Private Webb went on to survive the war. He returned home to Gloucestershire, living a long life that spanned both world wars, and died in March 1963 at the age of 85. But without that Bible, his fate might have been very different."
Private Webb enlisted in the army in 1916 with the service number 26700 stencilled into the pages of the Bible. Such inscriptions were commonplace, guaranteeing personal possessions could be returned if misplaced, or if their owner perished in combat.
Matt added: "Bibles like the one owned by Private Webb were known as 'soldiers' Bibles'. Most were pocket-sized New Testaments, often just a few inches tall, designed to fit into a uniform pocket or kit. Every British serviceman was issued with his uniform, helmet, boots and a Bible. Many were prized as a lucky talisman as much as scripture."
Service with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Private Webb served with the 2/6th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, a unit with strong ties to Birmingham and the Midlands. On October 24, 1918, Webb's battalion participated in an assault on the German-occupied French town of Vendegies, near Cambrai, encountering heavy machine-gun fire. During this engagement, Webb's service record indicates he sustained a "G.S.W. Chest" – a gunshot wound to the chest.
Webb survived the offensive and remained in service until 1919, when he was discharged owing to his injuries. He received the British War Medal and Victory Medal, alongside the Silver War Badge – granted to those honourably discharged following injury.
Auction Details
The Bible's present owner obtained it two decades ago from an elderly collector, not believed to be connected to Private Webb, who had possessed it for many years. The auction will take place on May 27 at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire.
