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Auction: 22133 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 323

The General Service Medal awarded to Sergeant W. Hart, 13th Hussars attached 1st Dragoon Guards, late 11th Hussars, who was serving with that unit during their famous action at Nery during the retreat to the Marne

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (D-37201 Sjt. W. Hart. 1-D. Gds.), minor contact wear and polishing, very fine

William Hart was born in 1884 at Brixworth, Northamptonshire and lived at 6 Oak Villas, Tredegar Park, Newport, Monmouthshire. Enlisting prior to the Great War he was serving with the 11th Hussars when it began. Entering the war in France on 15 August 1914 as a Corporal with the service number 6863 he was still with this unit when it formed part of 1st Cavalry Brigade. Here they along with ‘L’ Battery, Royal Horse Artillery were cornered early in the morning of 1 September 1914 by the German 4th Cavalry Division.

A patrol from the 11th Hussars found the advanced units of the Division and managed to warn the Brigade however they were soon under attack with all but one ‘L’ Battery’s guns knocked out before they could mount a proper defence. The last gun, manned by Captain Bradbury, Sergeant Major Nelson and Sergeant Major Dorrell continues to fire for two and a half hours in the face of massed German artillery, all three were later awarded the Victoria Cross.

The British Cavalrymen had dismounted to defend Nery had held back the Division’s advance as the last gun of ‘L’ Battery held the attention of the German Guns. Despite the disparity in numbers they managed to hold on, aided by a flanking attack from the 5th Dragoon Guards. At around 08:00 reinforcements arrived ‘I’ Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment and 4th Cavalry Brigade arrived on the scene. A Squadron of the 11th Hussars mounted up and joined the 1st Middlesex in taking eight of the enemy guns while the scattered German forces were routed, suffering heavy losses.

Hart was later posted to the Corps of Hussars, with the 13th Hussars, being given the service number 46230 but served attached to the 1st Dragoon Guards. He was promoted Sergeant and given the new service number D37201, later posted to India he was present for the Third Anglo-Afghan War (Medal and clasp). Further posted to Iraq he appears in the role with the note that the medal should be named 13th Hussars attached 1st Dragoon Guards. Notably his name also appears on an attestation for the Royal Tanks Corps dated 13 March 1919; sold together with an article on the Battle of Nery, M.I.C. and medal roll.


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Sold for
£110

Starting price
£50