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Auction: 22002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 219

The M.M. group of four awarded to Private H. Lyons, 2nd/5th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, who was later killed in action on 20 July 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (201566 Sjt. H. Lyons. 2/5 W. York: R.); British War and Victory Medals (3797 Sjt. H. Lyons. W. York. R.); Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Henry Lyons), minor contact wear, very fine (4)

M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918.

Henry Lyons was born at York, Yorkshire in 1893, the son of Harry and Mary Lyons of 13 Earl Street, York. Employed at Rowntree & Co. prior to enlistment, Lyons joined the army in 1915 but did not enter the war until 1916.

Awarded the M.M. in June 1918 Lyons was killed in action the next month at Tardenois during the Second Battle of the Marne. The unit moved off early on 20 July with the objective of Marfaux but, despite great gallantry, were held up just short of the position by heavy enemy resistance. Lyons was much missed by the men of his unit with one of his comrades writing to his parents:

'He was loved by everyone in the Company, from the Captain (who I am sorry to say was also killed) to the youngest recruits. Rest assured that those of us who are left will never forget him, for no one will be missed more than Harry'

Lyons is buried at Marfaux British Cemetery, Marne, and is remembered on the St. Cuthbert's Church War Memorial, Peasholme Green, York; sold together a picture of the recipient as well as copied research including M.I.C., Commonwealth War Graves details and census data as well as extracts for publications including the York Herald, Massacre on the Marne and London Gazette along with Not For Glory, The History of the 62nd (W.R.) Division and the Battalion War Diary.

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Sold for
£550

Starting price
£160