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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 489

Three: Sergeant H. T. Playden, 5th Dragoon Guards, who was present for The Charge at Harbonnieres on 8 August 1918

1914-15 Star (D-9079, Pte, H, Playden. 5th, D. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (D-9079 Pte. H. T. Playden. 5-D. Gds.), light pitting, very fine (3)

Harry T. Playden was born at Strood Kent around 1873 and entered the war in France on 24 August 1915, serving with them there for the duration of the war. As the Allies advanced and the war once again became one of, somewhat limited, movement cavalry returned to use in their former roles. The Regiment was concentrated at Longeau on 8 August behind an Australian formation which advanced ahead of them. Ordered to move through the lines between Harbonnieres and a patch of woodland to seize an old trenchline the Regiment advanced with 'A' Squadron to the fore.

Hammered by machine gun fire from Harbonnieres they made the trenchline, which proved empty, but pressed on from there. The leading elements encountered a train which opened fire on them only to be bombed by aircraft allowing the horsemen to overrun it capturing or killing the occupants. Pushing still further on they reached the outskirts of Vauvillers and swooped down upon a convoy that was leaving the town. The day ended with two anti-aircraft guns, two field-guns, and one howitzer captured along with 20 enemy officers, 740 other ranks, 50 horses and 5 transport wagons. The Regiment received the thanks of the Field-Marshal Haig the next day. Playden survived the war and was still in service as late as 1923; sold together with an archive of original postcards sent to the recipient as well as several dinner menus and Orders of Service, as well as copied research.

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Sold for
£170

Starting price
£60