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Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 391

A rare Second World War First Arakan Campaign D.C.M. group of five awarded to Acting Sergeant J. O'Neill, Seaforth Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (2824426 A. Sjt. J. O'Neill, Seaforth), on its original investiture pin; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the first with minor edge bruise, otherwise very fine and better (5)

D.C.M. London Gazette 30 September 1943. The original recommendation states:

'When in command of two sections that suddenly encountered a company of Japs at Nampamaung (S.F. 2628) on 20 April 1943, he coolly and skilfully conducted the withdrawal of the two sections, covering their movement with fire and delaying, and inflicting casualties on the Japs.

One of his sections was thus enabled to withdraw southwards along the Chindwin and cross intact at Nanthanyit (S.F. 2321), but he and the other section had to swim the Chindwin - 600 yards wide - at Taungbola (S.F. 2525) under fire. Despite covering fire from the other section and from a patrol on the west bank, three were killed whilst swimming, one drowned and one missing. At least 20 Japs were killed in the engagement.

His placing of his other section in a position whence it could withdraw intact, whilst himself remining at the point of danger to cover its withdrawal, are in the best traditions of leadership.'

James O'Neill was a native of Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire.

The 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders arrived in Burma in May 1942, as part of 1st Indian Brigade, 23rd Indian Division and it was in the course of the bitter fighting of the First Arakan Campaign that O'Neill won his D.C.M. He was invested with his award by Lord Mountbatten on 8 February 1944.


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Sold for
£2,900