A Collection of Medals to Recipients of the 1914 Star

Four: Private J. Sykes, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Le Cateau on 26 August 1914

1914 Star, with copy clasp (5322 Pte. J. Sykes. 2/ Suff: R.); British War and Victory Medals (5322 Pte. J. Sykes. Suff. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (5819097 Pte. J. Sykes. Suff. R.) nearly very fine (4) £200-£240

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Recipients of the 1914 Star.

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James Sykes served with the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 17 August 1914. On 26 August his battalion played a key role in the Battle of Le Cateau where their tenacious hold on the high ground overlooking Le Cateau from the west was crucial in enabling the 5th Division to withdraw down the Roman Road to the south west later in the day. A substantial effort was made by the Germans to dislodge the Suffolks who were exposed to heavy gunfire from the German batteries to their front and their flanks and also infiltration by infantry around their flanks. Suffering heavy losses, they were provided with re-enforcement and support, with great difficulty and high casualties, by the Argylls of 19th Brigade and the Manchesters of 14th Brigade. The Germans massed for a final attack at 2.30pm, and called upon the Suffolks to surrender. Attacks continued from the front and right flanks, but the battalion was only finally overrun when the Germans worked their way round to the rear of the Suffolks’ positions. The survivors got away to Bohain, and mustered for a roll call in St Quentin which only showed 2 Officers and 111 Other Ranks left. The majority of the losses were men who were wounded and taken prisoner; it is estimated that more than 500 men from the battalion became prisoners of war in this action.

Sykes was taken prisoner of war whilst serving with ‘B’ Company, 2nd Suffolks, almost certainly at Le Cateau, and held at Lager DöBeritz prison camp.