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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 492

(x) Three: Lieutenant A. P. F. Lyon, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, who was killed in action on 27 August 1914 and who earned a posthumous 'mention'

1914 Star, clasp (Lieut: A. P. F. Lyon. Gord: Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. A. P. F. Lyon.), nearly extremely fine (3)

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 January 1920 as per Army Order 193 of 1919:

'For valuable services rendered whilst a Prisoner of War or internment, or for gallant conduct and determination displayed in escaping or attempting to escape from captivity or for gallant and distinguished service rendered in the field.'

Alexander Patrick Francis Lyon was born in London on 5 August 1888, son of Walter Lyon of Tantallon Lodge, North Berwick. Educated at Haileybury and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Lyon was commissioned into the Gordon Highlanders in May 1907. Advanced Lieutenant in March 1909, he qualified as a 1st Class Interpreter in German, French and Russian, being specially employed at the War Office in 1912 and was on the list going up to Staff College in 1914 at the outbreak of the Great War.

Lyon served in France (noted on the Staff Book) from 14 August 1914 and was tragically killed in action at Bertry on 27 August 1914 as reported by the Glasgow Herald in December 1914:

'An Army interpreter, was making inquiries in the front of a half battalion which had mistaken the German lines for the French and was killed during the firing which ensued.'

Lyon is buried in the Bertry Communal Cemetery and was posthumously 'mentioned' in 1920. His brother, Captain Charles James Lyon, Royal Scots Fusiliers, was also killed in action on 14 November 1914.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£900

Starting price
£520