Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 237

The Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque awarded in memory of Major E. L. Lyon, 18th (Queen Mary's Own) Hussars, an Old Harrovian who died on 17 September 1916 of wounds received in action whilst commanding the 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry

Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Edward Lycett Lyon), previously mounted for display, adhesive label affixed to reverse, about very fine

Edward Lycett Lyon, son of Edward Lyon of 15 Rue Las Casas, Paris, was born on 30 January 1877 at Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., and was educated at Harrow School (1892-96) before going up to Trinity College, Cambridge. Attending the Royal Military College Sandhurst, Gentleman Cadet Lyon was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 18th (Queen Mary's Own) Hussars on 23 May 1900 (London Gazette, 22 May 1900 refers). Swiftly sent out to South Africa to join his regiment (Queen's and King's medals with clasps) and promoted Lieutenant in 1901, his next service abroad was as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor and Commander-in-Chief New Zealand (William Plunket, 5th Baron Plunket - incidentally another Old Harrovian) from 1907-09.

Promoted to Captain in that latter year and serving on the Western Front during the Great War, he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, 15 June 1916 refers) whilst a Temporary Major with the 7th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, and was in command of the unit when he was mortally wounded during the Second Battle of the Somme, dying on 17 September 1916 at the age of 39. Buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, France, he is further commemorated upon the Harrow School chapel memorial and in the Royal Memorial Chapel, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Leaving a widow and two children his son, Peter Edward Lycett, later followed his father into the regiment and won the Military Cross in Normandy in 1944, shortly before being killed in action.

From available records, Lyon's M.I.C. makes no mention of the application for, nor issue, of his Great War campaign medals; neither do the extant Medal Rolls note his name. It appears, therefore, that this Memorial Plaque may be his sole entitlement for the Great War.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£260

Starting price
£110