Orders, Decorations and Medals

British War Medal 1914-20 (24158 Pte. A. Cassam, Bedf. R.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (4) (8742 Pte. J. Marney, Bedf. R.; 3909 W.O. Cl.2 G. May, Suff. R.; 238780 Pte. H. T. Tester, Hereford. R.; 14364 Pte. W. E. Pearson, Suff. R.)

Pair: Private W. L. Collett, Suffolk Regiment

British War and Victory Medals (202967 Pte., Suff. R.) very fine and better (7) £70-90

Elisha Albert Cassam was born in 1867 in Otford, Kent. During the Great War he served with the 1st Garrison Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment and latterly with the Northumberland Fusiliers.

John Marney was a member of the 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment and landed with them on 7 October 1914 at Zeebrugge. The Battalion took part in the bitter battles of the First Ypres, Festubert and Loos and suffered severe casualties. John Marney was later discharged and awarded the Silver War Badge.

George May was a C.Q.M.S in the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment and landed with them in France on 15 August 1914 so qualifying for the Star and clasp. The Battalion was overwhelmed at the Battle of Cambrai on 26 August and less than 100 men commanded by a subaltern reached St Quentin the next day. George May was subsequently transferred to the Labour Corps was promoted W.O. 2 and given the number 513724.