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Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 417

Four: Fusilier W. Pyke, Lancashire Fusiliers, who was taken Prisoner of War at the Battle of Medjez El Bar, 4 April 1943; he died in a colliery disaster in 1979

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (4)

Walter Pyke was born on 1 March 1923 the son of Walter and Mary Pyke of 141 Ashton Road, Glasshoughton, Yorkshire. Pyke worked prior to the war as a Tailor's Assistant, enlisting with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on 12 February 1942 before joining the 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers on 30 July. While serving with this unit during the battle of Medjez El Bar when the 2nd Battalion was severely attacked through thick fog on 4 April 1943; 'C' company was cut off and all either killed or captured. Pyke was taken prisoner and transported to Stalag IV-A in Hesse. After his release he was transferred to the Loyal Regiment on 22 January 1946 where he served until 28 February 1947 when he was transferred to the Army Reserve. Pyke was killed in a cave-in at the Prince of Wales Colliery, Glasshoughton in 1979; sold together with the recipients original Record of Service, Transfer Forms and Service Book besides copied census records, casualty lists, an extract relating to the Battle of Medjez El Bar and a newspaper article referring to Pyke's death.

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Sold for
£55

Starting price
£40