Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The British War Medal awarded to Private W. J. Burton, 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers, who was captured during the retreat from Mons on 28 August 1914

British War Medal 1914-20 (L-4353 Pte. W. J. Burton. 5-Lrs.) severe edge bruising and suspension broken off above claw, therefore planchet only, fine £40-£50

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Barry Hobbs Collection of Great War Medals.

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Walter J. Burton served with the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 August 1914. As part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade in the 2nd Cavalry Division, the regiment took part in the Battle of Mons (23-24 August), being the last cavalry regiment to withdraw, and the Battle of Le Cateau (26 August). Burton was captured by the Germans on 28 August 1914, during the continuing retreat from Mons, and held prisoner of war. At the conclusion of the war he was repatriated and he transferred to the Section B Army Reserve on 17 October 1919.