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Auction: 16003 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 20

(x) The Rare Greek Civil War M.M. Group of Seven to Gunner F.W. Mitchell, Royal Artillery, Awarded For Gallantry During December 1944, When ELAS Forces Attacked the Headquarters Of The 23rd Armoured Brigade
a) Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2035671 Gnr. F.W. Mitchell. R.A.)
b) 1939-1945 Star
c) Africa Star
d) Italy Star
e) Defence and War Medals
f) Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., with 'Territorial' scroll suspension, nearly extremely fine (7)

M.M. London Gazette 15.3.1945 No.2035671 Gunner Frank Walter Mitchell, Royal Regiment of Artillery

2035671 Gunner Frank Walter Mitchell, M.M., served with the Royal Artillery during the Second War.

The Greek Civil War
Following the German evacuation of Greece in September 1944, three players remained to take control with all three parties entering Athens. The British Army, the Mountain Brigade, remaining loyal to the Royal family and the National Popular Liberation Army (ELAS) stood in a face off, with the aim being to reform the Government. The Papandreou Government was supported by the British, which had proposed that all guerrilla units lay down arms, leaving the Mountain Brigade the only unit able to act with force. Unsurprisingly, this move was rejected, with the National Liberation Front (EAM), themselves another faction raising the fact of the possible monopoly on the armed forces, instead suggesting a joint royalist-ELAS forces. This was rejected, with the Government instead raising a proposal, 28.11.1944, for a three-way split, between the Mountain Brigade, ELAS and the anti-Communist group, EDES. British Forces supported this proposal and themselves placed a deadline for its ratification to be completed by 10.12.1944. Unsurprisingly, this was also rejected, with the Socialist and Communist members of the composite Cabinet resigning from office in reposte. Street demonstrations resulted, with a stand-off, rioting and shooting resulting between the two sides. The EAM used force, and proclaimed a new Government. Such a result did not please Churchill, with the order to side with Royalist forces being given. As a result the British Forces, in support of the Royalists, defeated their opposition, whence an armistice could finally be negotiated in February 1945. In that time, over 11,000 people had lost their lives.

During the period, Gunner Mitchell was present with 276 Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, being present at the Headquarters of the 23rd Armoured Brigade in Athens during the Civil War. Severe fighting ensued on the evenings of 12-13.12.1944, with Captain J.R.C. Holroyd-Smith, of the same unit being killed in action.

No recommendation for the award is extant, however excerpts from the War Diary of the 66th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, Royal Artillery serves to provide further details 'Old Faliron 7 February 1945- 151 Sub Area Letter 31A dated 6 Feb 45 received notifying immediate award of Military Medal to 2035671 Gnr (Dvr Mech) Frank Walter Mitchell, 276 L.A.A. Bty, for gallantry on the night of 12/13 Dec 44' when H.Q. 23 Armd. Bde. in Athens when attacked by ELAS forces.'

PROVENANCE: DNW, 2006

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Estimate
£2,500 to £3,500