Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private R. Hayes, 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, who was posted missing presumed dead following a counter-attack at Wytschaete, during the Battle of Messines, on 1 November 1914

1914 Star, with copy clasp (1451 Pte R. Hayes. 1/North’d Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (1451 Pte. R. Hayes. North’d Fus.) nearly extremely fine (3) £160-£200

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

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Richard Hayes was born in Deptford, London and his service number suggests that he attested for the Northumberland Fusiliers as early as 1886. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War from 13 August 1914 and would have taken part with his battalion at the Battles of Mons (and subsequent Retreat), Le Cateau, Marne 1914, Aisne 1914, La Bassée and Messines. During the latter battle, on 1 November 1914, he was reported missing and was later presumed to have died on this date.

On 1 November 1914, the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers took part in a counter-attack on Wytschaete. Two companies (W and X) moved forward with the 1st Lincolnshire on the right with two companies (Y and Z) in support. Captain Sandilands recorded seeing the Lincolnshire Regiment disappear into the darkness and the advance being held up by wire. On the left, X Company, came under strong rifle and machine-gun fire from a wood north-west of the village. W Company was also attacked while progressing between the southern edge of the wood and Kemmel-Wystchaete Road. A withdrawal was ordered and the battalion, relieved by the 16th Lancers, fell back to Kemmel. Casualties on the day were 2 officers killed, 2 officers wounded and 1 missing; 83 other ranks killed, wounded or missing.

Private Hayes’ next of kin was Miss E. Perren, 20 Marden Road, Bermondsey, London and, having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.