Orders, Decorations and Medals

Pair: Sergeant W. Lawrence, 21st Lancers, who was killed in action on the Somme in April 1917

British War and Victory Medals (L-6444 Sjt., 21-Lrs), in original card forwarding box with Record Office letter, dated 3 April 1922, together with related Memorial Plaque (William Lawrence), nearly extremely fine (3) £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Tom Gustard Collection of Medals & Militaria and to the 21st Lancers.

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William Lawrence, a native of Sheerness - who was born in Hastings and enlisted at Canterbury - was killed in action on the Somme on 6 April 1917. The War Diary of No. 1 Service Squadron, 21st Lancers, states:

‘6 April: Three officers’ patrols were ordered to reconnoitre the north half of Havrincourt Wood. These patrols attempted to enter the wood dismounted from the western side, and were heavily shelled and sniped from Hermies and the edge of the wood. Only the southernmost patrol was able to enter the wood. Sergeant Lawrence, killed, Private Widdows, killed, Squadron Sergeant Russell wounded and missing, one other N.C.O. slightly wounded (Sergeant Foden). Corporal Dimsdale did his best to get Lawrence away, but found it impossible, and was nearly surrounded by Germans whilst in a sunken road. Eventually rewarded by M.M. for gallantry.’

The Special Service Squadron of the 21st Lancers was raised at Tidworth in June 1916, and numbered eight officers and 250 other ranks, practically all of whom were regimental reservists. They served in France until August 1917, as a part of 14th Corps Cavalry, and were actively employed on the Somme and elsewhere.

The Regimental Book of Remembrance at Canterbury Cathedral records the names of 10 officers and 36 other ranks who were killed in action, in addition to two officers and 57 other ranks who died of wounds or disease in the Great War.