Cemetery: Le Cateau Military Cemetery

Country: France

Area: Nord

Rank: Lance Corporal

Force: Army

Official Number: 14498

Unit: 8th Bn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment).

Country of Service: British

Details:

V C Died of wounds 18th April 1918. Age 39. Son of Samuel and Margaret Sayer of Chadwell Heath Essex; husband of Edith Louise Sayer of 35 Old London Rd. Hastings Sussex. I. B. 59. 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."

Photograph by Norman Brice/David Milborrow