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Auction: 21102 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction 3
Lot: 123

Victory Medal 1914-19 (9981 Pte. J. K. Cable. Essex R.), verdigris, note second initial, nearly very fine

John Joseph Cable was born at Plaistow, Essex. Having enlisted with 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment he joined the war at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. The 1st Battalion took part in the first landings facing continuous, fierce fighting and suffering heavy casualties throughout - including their commander Lieutenant Colonel Faussett, killed on 2 May. Moving to Suvla Bay on 21 August, the Essex took up a reserve role but even here sniper and shell fire took their toll. By the time of the Allied withdrawal the regiment numbered just 375 men, down from the 883 that had landed.

After a brief stay in Egypt, 1st Battalion moved to France, where they prepared to take part in the Somme offensive. Suffering heavy losses on the First Day they were forced back to their original trenches. Despite everything he had survived since the war began Cable was killed in action just two days later on 3 July; he is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial but listed as a Lance Corporal with the 9th Battalion.

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Sold for
£40

Starting price
£20