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Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 586

(x) A 'Battle of Le Cateau 1914', Prisoner of War's group of three awarded to Serjeant J. Hay, Gordon Highlanders, who was later the President of the Help Committee at Merseburg, a P.O.W. escape committee

1914 Star, with clasp (106 L.Sjt. J. Hay. 1/Gord:Highrs); British War and Victory Medals (106 Sjt. Hay. Gord. Highrs.), mounted as worn, minor contact wear, very fine (3)

John Hay was born at Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, on 16 February 1890. He enlisted with the Gordon Highlanders and was still serving with them on the outbreak of the Great War and entered the war in France on 13 August 1914 with the 1st Battalion. A failure of communication left this unit to be surrounded at the Battle of Le Cateau on 26 October 1914, despite fierce resistance they were forced to surrender.

The vast majority of the Gordons were taken prisoner or killed and Hay was no exception, being held at Merseberg Prison Camp. Here he joined - and became President of - the Help Committee, an escape committee, later sent to Dyrotz Prison Camp he was here in 1916. While at Dyrotz Hay was recorded reciting a bible verse, this recording is still extent. He survived the war and was repatriated at the end of hostilities.

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

Sold for
£230

Starting price
£70