Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private J. Newey, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, who was taken Prisoner of War at Le Cateau on 27 August 1914

1914 Star (9842 Pte. J. Newey. Yorks: L.I.); British War Medal 1914-20 (9842 Pte. J. Newey. K.O.Y.L.I.) latter part of surname and unit officially corrected; Victory Medal 1914-19 (9842 Pte. J. Newey. Yorks L.I.) the Star lightly gilded, generally very fine (3) £240-£280

Joseph Newey attested for the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 10 August 1914. He was taken Prisoner of War at Le Cateau on 27 August 1914: ‘The Battalion moved to defensive tenches west of Le Catau on 25 August. The Order from Brigade headquarters instructed the Battalion: “There will be no retirement for the fighting troops; fill up your trenches with water, food, and ammunition, as far as you can.” The enemy attacked on 26 August and the positions were held until eventually the battalion was surrounded on three sides. There was hand to hand fighting , but no surrender, and the occupants of the trenches were mobbed and swamped by the rising tide of grey coated Germans. Fighting ceased about 4:30 p.m., and the survivors withdrew along the Reumont road to Estrees and then, on 27 August , to Ollezy.
Total casualties during the period 26-27 August were 18 Officers and 582 other ranks, including some 310 men taken Prisoner of War, of whom 170 were wounded. For their gallantry at Le Cateau Major Yate and Lance-Corporal Frederick Holmes were both awarded the Victoria Cross.’ (British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914 by Ray Westlake refers).

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Note: The recipient’s Medal Index Card states: ‘BWM returned (incorrect engraved) 7.12.20. Re-issued 12.8.21.’