Description
Territorial Efficiency Medal, GV, 547037 Sapper D.A. Lockyer, Royal Engineers, a Motor Cycle Despatch Rider with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force during World War 1.
Donald Arthur Lockyer was born in Essex during 1895, he first enlisted with the City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders) aged 17 during 1911.
During his home service since 1914 he was appointed Lance Corporal, 5th June 1915, Corporal, 9th July 1915, Lance Sergeant 22nd July 1916.
on 18th August 1917 he became proficient as a Motorcyclist Despatch Rider and was transferred to be posted for service overseas with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.
His Army Form B241 in his service papers state that on 18th July 1917, he was stationed at Bridge Camp with the 5th Cyclist Brigade Signal Section, and was desirous to be transferred to the Signal Service Centre stationed in Bedfordshire for the purpose of service as a Motor Cyclist.
A letter asking if he had experience with motorcyles reads: “This NCO has been on Motor Cycle work since the beginning of the war (Oct 1914), prior to that he was working on cars since Aug 1914. He has been riding Motor Cycles for 5 years.”
He was accepted, the Major R.E. from the Signal Service Training Centre at Woburn, Beds, writes to his commandant : “Passed to you please. I am willing to accept this man as a Pioneer Motor Cyclist.”
Awarded this medal on 1st May 1923. However a letter in his service papers enquires if he saw and overseas service prior to the War sent to his family, on 30th January 1922, which his father replies:
“I regret very much to have to inform you, that he died on the 18th Inst, after a very long illness brought about by his war service. I am unable to give you any information as to whether he volunteered for Foreign service or not, but as we have now lost him and the war has been over for nearly 3.5 years, perhaps you will kindly let us have any decorations which may be due to him, without much weary waiting. Yours Faithfully, W.H. Lockyer.”
