A poignant First World War M.M Killed In Action medal group with death plaque and related letters. Corporal George Jay, Military Foot Police, No. 3 Traffic Control Company.

Medals: Military Medal, 1914 Mons Star, 1914-18 War Medal and Victory Medal, named to "P-416 L.CPL G. JAY M.F.P". Death plaque to 'George Jay' with original envelope.
With an extract from routine orders regarding the award of the Military Medal, "On 5th June 1917, A/Cpl. Jay was on traffic duty on a road which was being shelled. There was a convoy of lorries containing Gas Cylinders, one of which had been struck by a shell, and there were several casualties:- including two deaths. Cpl. Jay got the remaining lorries out of the way without delay, and sent for ambulances. He then assisted in rendering first aid to the wounded men and stayed with them until the ambulances arrived. Having seen the wounded men removed in the ambulances Cpl. Jay removed the bodies of the men who had been killed, and took charge of their effects. He then resumed his patrol on the road, which was still being subjected to heavy fire."

Further included is a photograph of the temporary gravesite cross, three photographs of George Jay and his wife, two regimental photographs, four silk postcards home from George, and several heartfelt letters, clearly showing how much he meant to his fellow serving police:
1. Captain M Peace, Commanding No. 3 Traffic Control Company (Mobile Police), 26th March 1918: "It is with the most profound regret that I have to transmit to you the unhappy news that your husband was most severely wounded about midday on the 24th inst & succumbed to his wounds about two hours later. I feel his loss very severely for, not only by myself, but by everyone who came into touch with him, he was regarded as the very essence of courage and devotion. He joined my company a year ago, & during that time, by his untiring devotion to duty, his fearless bravery, he carried with him the men the men under him, & won the confidence & deepest respect of his officers. He was buried yesterday, in a little field cemetery close to the spot where he fell & with the full honours of a brave soldier..."

2. Sgt. C Gray, 3rd T.C.C, condolences to his wife, 'he was one of the very best. Well liked by everybody and a more cheerful comrade one could never wish to meet. He gave his life for his King and Country and died whilst doing his duty in trying to look after others ... I am enclosing a sketch of the cross we have had erected over his grave. I am trying to get a photo taken and if I succeed I will be sure to get a copy. he N.C.O's and men of the 3rd Traffic Control Co and the Military Police in the immediate neighbourhood all join me in deep sympathy for you and the children and hope that the enclosed sum of £20-8- which has been contributed by them, will assist you in a practical way..."

3. P.1261 Corporal F. Blythe, 2nd April 1918, similar contents, 'No N.C.O enjoyed greater love and respect than did Corporal Jay, from the rest of the N.C.Os & men and his loss has been deeply mourned by all but by none more than by myself. I am an old G.E. Ry policeman, a pal of poor old George in civil life as well as Army life ... As soon as I heard he was wounded I went to him at once, but he was unconscious & remained so till the end. He has been buried amongst other heroes, & a nice cross erected over the grave, which will always receive attention from us while we are here."

4. Sympathy letter from Major A.C. Chauncy, Chief of Police of the Great Eastern Railway, 4th April 1918

Corporal Jay was born on 8th August 1879. He joined the Great Eastern Railway in 1911 and was one of the first to answer the call at the outbreak of war. He died from wounds sustained in action in France on 24th March 1918. He left behind his widow, Rosena, and four children. He is buried at the Ypres Reservoir Cemetary in Belgium, and his portrait can be viewed on findagrave.com. The British Transport Police History Group also recently worked with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to get George Jay's Military Medal recognised on his headstone.

Condition Report
Please see photos for the death plaque and the edges of the medals. There are some very minor small knocks and a couple of scratches to the edge of the MM. The Victory has the usual expected tarnishing and likewise some small edge knocks. The star has a small knock to the reverse of one point. No signs of any significant knocks, bruising, repolishing or renaming.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.