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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 391

(x) Seven: Major L. T. Bayes, First City Regiment, late 3rd (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers), Private, Natal Light Horse, who served in German South West Africa, was commissioned and twice wounded on the western front, later Bayes married Dorothy Bayes, the first Lady Mayor of Grahamstown

1914-15 Star (Ptr. L. T. Bayes Ntl Light Hse); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. L. T. Bayes.); War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal 1939-45, both officially impressed '185476 L. T. Bayes.'; Colonial Auxiliary Forces L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (Maj. L. T. Bayes. F.C.); Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer's Decoration, G.VI.R., (Maj. L. T. Bayes, F.C.), the first five mounted as worn, the rest loose minor pitting to first three overall good very fine (7)

Lennox Tod Bayes was a native of Grahamstown and educated at Kingswood College, he served initially in the Natal Light Horse from February 1915-July 1915 in German South West Africa. Before travelling to England in November and being commissioned into the British Army on 9 December 1915 with the 3rd (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).

Wounded in action on 13 May 1917 Bayes attempted to join the R.F.C. whilst recovering but suffered a flying accident which convinced him to give up flying. Instead he returned to the Regiment and was again wounded in the arm on 16 August 1918.

Returning to South Africa after the war he was commissioned Captain in the First City Regiment in 1924. Promoted Major in 1936 he served as Second in Command of the Regiment before joining the reserve of officers in 1937. Recalled in May 1940 and appointed adjutant of a Motor Transport Section he transferred to South Western Africa in 1943, commanding all transport in that area.

Demobilised in October 1946 Bayes became the President of the First City Regimental Association and remained active with the Regiment for the rest of his life. His wife Dorothy Bayes went on to become the first female Mayor of Grahamstown; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate

Starting price
£210