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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 379

A very fine Immediate 'Second Battle of El Alamein' M.M. awarded to Corporal P. T. Clare, 1/2nd Field Force Battalion, South African Infantry

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (60158 T/Cpl. P. T. Clare. 1/ 2 F.F.B.), good very fine, on its original investiture pin

M.M. London Gazette 31 December 1942. The original recommendation, for an Immediate award, confirmed by Montgomery states:

'Place. El Alamein.

For acts of bravery, personal initiative and resourcefulness in the face of enemy fire. On the night of 23/24 October 1942, Cpl. Clare led his section on an enemy strongpoint. The section came under heavy Mortar and M.G. fire and suffered heavy casualties, Cpl. Clare himself sustaining wounds to his legs. Despite the wounds, he rallied his men and led the advance under terrific M.G. and Mortar fire to within 50 yards of the enemy positions, where wire, booby-traps, and mines were encountered.

He went forward alone to locate the enemy weapon pits, but received a severe bullet wound in the chest. Undaunted, he rejoined his section, brought them into a firing position, and in his exhausted condition controlled them until ordered back by his Platoon Commander.

He reported back to his Company Commander, gave a full report of the position, and, in his weak and painful condition, insisted on taking, and actually took an important message to the Platoon Commander.

Throughout the action Cpl. Clare showed himself to be a courageous leader, and his fearless behaviour at a critical period in the face of heavy enemy fire was a tremendous inspiration to all his men.'


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Sold for
£900

Starting price
£420