British Groups

Lot 4040    The J.J.Atkinson Collection    British Groups

Estimate $3,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $6,000

GROUP OF FIVE TO STOKER FIRST CLASS WILLIAM GORDON INGRAM, Royal Navy Distinguished Service Medal (GVIR) (STO.1 W.G.Ingram. P/KX. 179183); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star (France and Germany); Africa Star; British War Medal 1939-45. Distinguished Service Medal only named, impressed. Very fine.

DSM: London Gazette 28 November 1945. 'For gallantry, skill determination and undaunted devotion to duty whilst serving in HMS Ben My Chree during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy. He showed conspicuous skill and courage when his craft LCA722 was damaged by enemy action whilst under machine gun fire. Ingram made great efforts to repair his craft's engines; although unsuccessful, his devotion to duty was a great example. This rating had a very difficult task whilst landing U.S. Rangers on Pointe du Hoe.'

HMS Ben My Chree, an Isle of Man ferry of 2,586 tons converted to a Landing Ship Infantry (Heavy) transported three companies of the 2nd U.S. Ranger Battalion to Normandy in Operation OVERLORD. Pointe du Hoe was in the Omahia a Beach area and the Rangers had the special mission of capturing the enemy position thereon. Three companies of Rangers landed near Pointe du Hoe and scaled the cliffs with ropes and ladders. Under covering fire from the destroyers HMS Talybont and USS Satterlee they then stormed the battery positions and eliminated the remaining enemy garrison. Thereafter they were virtually besieged all day but maintained their position, supported by the destroyers which stood by throughout the day.

Together with copy of original recommendation for award; copies of Admiralty award records; relevant London Gazette entry; photograph of Ben My Chree; and History of the 2nd Ranger Battalion's assault on Pointe du Hoe with full details of LCA 722's involvement in the action.