Orders, Decorations & Medals - British Groups

Lot 2946    SESSION 14 (2.30PM THURSDAY 1ST AUG)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - British Groups

Estimate $5,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au

FAMILY GROUPS ONE WITH MM AND ONE KIA: (Brother 1) MM Group of Six: Military Medal (GVIR INDIAE IMP); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, - clasp - 1st Army (this loose); France and Germany Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45. 7015748 Sjt. G.C.Piddington. R.U.Rif. on first medal, other medals unnamed as issued. The named medal is impressed.; (Brother 2) Trio (Attributed to Stanley John Piddington KIA 28.6.1944 and medals sent to his mother Mrs E.Piddington): 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45. All unnamed as issued. Two groups, some medals with toning, otherwise very fine - nearly uncirculated.

Together with,^1) Medal boxes, the MM with King's letter, also a riband bar for first group but missing War Medal.^2) Royal Ulster Rifles cap badge (KC).^3) Octagonal fibre compound dog tag marked, '7015748/C/S (probably meant to be GS)/Piddington'.^4) Embroidered Sergeant's stripes (2 types); Embroidered Warrant Officer crowns (3, two small, one large); cloth Royal Ulster Rifles shoulder title; Royal Ulster Rifles colour patch and two overseas service chevrons.^5) Variety of black uniform buttons (14).^6) Photos of Field Marshall B.L.Montgomery pinning the MM on to the chest of Sgt G.C.Piddington.^7) Booklet of Second Army Thanksgiving Service on Conclusion of The Campaign in North West Europe 6 June 1944 to 5 May 1945. ^8) Soldier's Service Pay Book and Release Book Class "A" for G.C.Piddington.^9) Record of Service 17.4.40 to 19.8.46 and Certificate of Transfer to the Army Reserve effective from 20 August 1946 for G.C.Piddington.^10) Various other documents, letters and newspaper clippings.^MM: Supplement to LG 24/1/1946, p645 - to No.7015748 Sergeant George Charles Piddington, The Royal Ulster Rifles (London, E.15).^Recommendation: 'Sjt Piddington landed with 2nd Bn. Royal Ulster Rifles on "D" Day. He has never since that date missed an attack through leave, sickness or any other cause, and has always been the first to volunteer for any special task. He has made a name for himself amongst his comrades for his cheerfulness, leadership and personal courage. Owing to casualties he has frequently acted as Pl Comd and done extremely well. On 27 Feb 45 during the attack on the Udem-Weeze road Sjt Piddington was acting Pl Comd. He led his Pl, with considerable dash and gallantry, on to the objective which was captured in the face of heavy opposition. On consolidation he continuously moved about from sec to sec under considerable shell and mortar fire reorganising the depleted secs and arranging for the evacuation of the wounded.^On the night 24/25 Apr during the attack on Kattenturm, Sgt Piddington was severely shaken by the blast from a panzerfaust which wounded his Pl Comd. He suffered for some time from concussion but, on hearing that his Pl Comd had been evacuated, he immediately returned to lead his Pl on to its objective. Sjt Piddington has on all occasions set an outstanding example in battle. His Pl has seen many actions since D Day but not without loss, for Sjt Piddington, with one other Rifleman, are now the only survivors of the original Pl.' ^Testimonial from Commander of 2/R.U.Rifles - 'C/Sgt. Piddington MM joined the Army in April 1940. After having served in N. Africa he landed in Normandy on 'D' Day and went right through the fighting to VE Day, serving all the time in a rifle platoon. His fine record under active adverse conditions has been recognized with the award of the M.M. for personal bravery. He is intelligent and quick, and a good worker in an office. He is looked upon with the greatest admiration and respect by all ranks. C/Sgt. Piddington is a clean, smart man, very reliable and honest, and a most conscientious worker, who can be relied upon to carry out his job without supervision.'^George Charles Piddington, shop assistant, born 27 February 1920 and enlisted at Armagh, Northern Ireland on 17 April 1940 for the duration of the war. He was released from service on 27 May 1946 with military conduct recorded as 'Exemplary'. George Piddington died in November 2002 at the age of 82. His brother, Rifleman Stanley John Piddington was KIA 28 June 1944 serving with 2 Bn The London Rifle Brigade and was buried at St Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France.^With research.