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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 538

The campaign pair awarded to Private W. P. Scott, Canadian Army Service Corps, who was left with shell shock when his bunker collapsed, burying him alive

British War and Victory Medals (510233 Pte. W. P. Scott. C.A.S.C.), very light contact wear, very fine (2)

William Philip Scott was born at Newport, Monmouthshire on 7 July 1894 and was working as an Engineer at Valcartier, Canada prior to attesting on 14 September 1915. His address at this time was listed as Apartment 3, 40 Drummond Street, Montreal. Entering the war in France on 5 September 1916 with the 5th Company, Canadian Army Service Corps.

He suffered a broken leg in October 1916, wound which was to cause him pain intermittently throughout the rest of the war. Scott was going through a period of Light Duties as the result of this injury on 9 August 1918. His service record takes up the story, stating:

'He carried on till August 9/18. Previous to this he had felt a little nervous, but during this night while he was in a dugout a bomb exploded nearby, knocking the walls in on him. He was not unconscious, and was able to get himself out. When he got out he found himself trembling very much and felt nervous to drive his car.

It soon became clear however that the effects of his experience being buried alive had left some lasting physiological effects, his pension records state:

'Occasional headaches both frontal and occipital. Frequent attacks of rapid heart action-Complaints of general weakness. Is easily started or excited, and on occasions starts to tremble.
Legs shake when he walks a short distance.'

Worse then that, as time went on the rapid heart action grew worse with a heart rate of '140' measured. He was discharged in 1919; sold together with copied service papers.

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Sold for
£40

Starting price
£20