Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War M.C. group of seven awarded to Quartermaster & Captain E. J. Sayer, Essex Yeomanry, formely 11th (Prince Albert’s Own) Hussars

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (3157 Lce. Sergt., 11th Hussars); 1914-15 Star (Q.M. & Lieut., Essex Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (Q.M. & Lieut.); Coronation 1911; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (3157 S.S. Mjr., 11/Hrs.) mounted as worn, some contact wear, therefore nearly very fine or better (7) £1200-1500

M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1917.

Edward John Sayer enlisted into the 11th Hussars in March 1890, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant Major in February 1902, and attached to the Essex Yeomanry in January 1904. He was granted the Honorary rank of Captain in March 1911, proceeding to France on 28 November 1914. He was severely wounded (shell shock) on 3 December 1916 near Beaumont Hamel when a shell burst within a few feet of his horse. On recovery he returned to duty, this time with the Royal Flying Corps where he worked in the Stores Department.

The following in relation to his wounding on 3 December 1916 is extracted from a form entitled ‘Proceedings of a Medical Board’, which is contained in his correspondence file held at the National Archives: ‘Lieut. & Quartermaster E. J. Sayer was knocked down by a shell explosion and was unconscious for one hour. This was followed by diarrhoea and vomiting. A few days later he lost the use of his lips and had a headache, insomnia, increased reflexes and bad dreams...’ Sold with a quantity of copied research.