British Groups

Lot 4045    The J.J.Atkinson Collection    British Groups

Estimate $3,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $4,000

GROUP OF FOUR TO BOMBARDIER JOHN WILLIAM JENNINGS, Royal Artillery Military Medal (GVIR) and bar for second award (2563583 Bmbr. J.W.Jennings. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star (8th Army); British War Medal 1939-45. Military Medal only named, impressed, others unnamed. Very fine.

MM: London Gazette 11 July 1940. 'For gallant and distinguished services in action in connection with recent operations. As wireless operator in the truck employed by the F.O.O. on 28 May 1940 Bdr Jennings gave his orders with great coolness under very heavy enemy fire causing effective fire to be brought down on the enemy. Although his truck was badly damaged by shell fire he continued at duty until his set was put out of action.'

MM (bar): London Gazette 8 November 1945. 'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. This NCO during this action at Valeb, North Africa at the end of May 1942 showed conspicuous coolness and devotion to duty in maintaining signal communication under heavy fire. While acting as N.C.O. i/c Sigs. To 'B' Troop 285 Bty he maintained a vital O.P. wire which was constantly being broken by shell fire. This N.C.O. has twice been blown up in W/T Trucks and is quite imperturbable.'

Together with copies of original recommendations for both awards; copy of a letter dated March 1945 from the recipient's C.O regarding the second award, advising that the delay in forwarding the recommendation was due to most of the Brigade being captured by the enemy at the time; extract from POW Register which shows recipient was held at Stalag 317 Markt Pongau (St. Johann); and copies of relevant London Gazette entries.