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Auction: 18003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 595

A rare and impressive post-War Malaya operations M.B.E., Kohima operations M.C. group of eight awarded to Regimental Sergeant-Major J. B. Simmons, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1946' and additionally privately inscribed '6395688 WO1 J. B. Simmons Queen's'; 1939-45 Star; Burma War; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya (22259330 W.O. Cl. 1. J. Simmons. M.C. Queens); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (22259330 W.O. Cl. 1. J. B. Simmons. Queens.); Meritorious Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (22259330 W.O. Cl. 1. J. B. Simmons. M.B.E. M.C. Queens.), mounted for wear, cleaned, with evidence of scratching in places over naming and contact marks, nonethless a fine combination, very fine (8)

M.B.E. London Gazette 31 May 1955. The original recommendation states:

'Since his last recommendation Warrant Officer I Simmons has continued to give proof of his excellence and versatility. As Regimental Sergeant-Major under the conditions obtaining in Germany he was outstanding in every way and his influence for good was immense not only in the exemplary manner in which he conducted affairs among the Warrant Officers and Serjeant, but in the handling of young Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and National Servicemen. His reputation extended well beyond the limits of his Battalion.

Since arriving in Malaya he has overcome the difficulties facing a Regimental Serjeant-Major in exerting his influence throughout a widely dispersed Battalion. While still carrying out his function in the Battalion's Headquarter Camp, he had visited all dispersed Companies and taken part in a number of patrols in jungle or swamp. His personal courage and operational skill, which was granted recognition by His late Majesty, are still very much in evidence, and his robust and cheerful attitude to operations in Malayan conditional had been of high value in maintaining morale among the young men who form the majority of the Battalion.

Warrant Officer I Simmons is a soldier who is in every way outstanding, even among those who hold the high appointment of Regimental Sergeant-Major.'

M.C. London Gazette 6 June 1946. The orginal recommendation, for a D.C.M. and then an immediate M.B.E., whilst serving with the 1st Battalion states:

'Acting Regimental Serjeant Major Simmons has shown unflinching courage and bravery in all actions from Kohima to the Sittang Bend. In all battles from Kohima to Yenanyaung as a C.S.M. he has been in front, resolute in his determination to gain the objective.

During the period under review 16 May-16 August he accounted for numerous Japs in the Kama Bridgehead with his aggressive fighting patrols. He maintained the offensive spirit at a high level.

During the Paukkaung Ops in June his cheerfulness and bearing under daily shelling was exemplary. During one attack he rescued a wounded Pte. under heavy L.M.G. fire.

In the Sittang Bend (July) as R.S.M. he maintained amm. supply under the worst conditions.

During the action at Letpanthombin his covering fire with Bn. Headquarters enabled the first relief Coy to gain an entrance. During the evening attack his H.Q. shot down 10 Japs as they flushed from the village.

Throughout his loyalty, discipline and devotion to duty have had a wonderful effect on the troops.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 9 May 1946.

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Estimate
£3,000 to £4,000

Sale 18003 Notices
WITHDRAWN