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Lance Corporal JOHN WILLIAM SAYER

Service Number: 14498
Regiment & Unit/Ship

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

8th Bn.

Date of Death

Died 18 April 1918

Age 39 years old

Buried or commemorated at

LE CATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY

I. B. 59.

France

Headstone

Photographer: Bill Caudwell

  • Country of Service United Kingdom
  • Awards Victoria Cross
  • Additional Info Son of Samuel and Margaret Sayer, of Chadwell Heath, Essex; husband of Edith Louise Sayer, of 35, Old London Rd., Hastings, Sussex.
  • Personal Inscription NEVER SHALL HIS MEMORY FADE
  • Additional Citation note

    An extract from the "London Gazette," dated 6th June, 1919, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery, determination and ability displayed on the 21st March, 1918, at Le Verguier, when holding for two hours, in face of incessant attacks, the flank of a small isolated post. Owing to mist the enemy approached the post from both sides to within 30 yards before being discovered. Lance-Corporal Sayer, however, on his own initiative and without assistance, beat off a succession of flank attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Though attacked by rifle and machine-gun fire, bayonet and bombs, he repulsed all attacks, killing many and wounding others. During the whole time he was continuously exposed to rifle and machine-gun fire, but he showed the utmost contempt of danger and his conduct was an inspiration to all. His skilfull use of fire of all descriptions enabled the post to hold out till nearly all the garrison had been killed and himself wounded and captured. He subsequently died as a result of wounds at Le Cateau."

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