Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

1914-15 Star (2) (42850 Spr. C. Cheeseman, R.E.; 1762 2-Cpl. J. F. Keyes, R.E.); the latter together with a French, Third Republic, Medaille Militaire, enamelled, with gilt palm, very fine and better (3) £100-140

Sapper Cecil Cheeseman, 82nd Company, Royal Engineers, died of wounds, France/Flanders, 1 August 1916, aged 29 years. Cheeseman was buried in the Daours Communal Cemetery Extension. He was the son of George and Mary Cheeseman of Dogberry Hill, Minterne Magna, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester. With copied casualty and other details.

James Frederick Keyes was born in Nunhead, Surrey and was a T.A Soldier originally in the 12th London Regiment. He then transferred to the Royal Engineers and was given the number 1762 and later 558277. He qualified for his 1914-15 Star when he landed in Egypt on 30 March 1915. On 1 December 1917 he was serving in 29th Division Signal Company which became heavily engaged in the Battle of Cambrai “On the 1st December fighting continued fiercely on the whole front with severe fighting at Masnieres. During the afternoon and evening at least nine separate attacks were beaten off by the 29th on this front.” Included among those killed was Sergeant James Keyes aged 23. His body was not recovered and his name is recorded on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval. His next of Kin was his Mother, Mrs Sarah Elizabeth White, of Spring Gardens Finchampstead, Berkshire. For his gallantry Sgt. Keyes was awarded the French Medaille Militaire.

With copied m.i.c., casualty and other details.