This otherwise ordinary medal has an incredible yet harrowing tale behind it. The medal was awarded to Private John Parr of the 4th Battalion, who is thought to be the first British soldier to have died during World War I. Parr joined the 4th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment aged just 15 (claiming to be 18 to meet the minimum age requirement) in 1912. He arrived in France as part of one of the first British units on 14 August 1914, prior to his death a week later on 21 August.

The full circumstances of Parr's tragic and untimely death are unknown, though it is believed he was sent towards a village near Mons to locate German positions. He likely encountered German troops and was killed in a shoot-out. The medal, which auctioneers thought would sell for £1,800-£2,200 ($2.4-$3k), sold for an impressive £17,000 ($22.5k). The buyer was described as a collector with an interest in military history.