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Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 488

A poignant 1944 B.E.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant J. Murphy, 7th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment, who was killed in action in Normandy on 18 July 1944

British Empire Medal (4532858 Sgt. John Murphy); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (5)

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1944>

John Murphy was born at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire in 1910, the son of Peter and Alice Murphy. Serving with the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment he was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 1944 Birthday Honours. He fought during the Normandy Campaign with both the 6th and 7th Battalions, which suffered heavy losses during the fighting. Murphy was killed in action on 18 July 1944 and, according to a letter written on 24 July, he was buried by his Platoon in the village in which he died. The circumstances of his death given to his family passed the news that he was '...killed quite suddenly by a shell.'

The War Diary for his Battalion places them in the vicinity of Conde-Sur-Seulles on the day of his death; however he must have been reburied as his remains now rest in the Hottot-Les-Bagues War Cemetery. McIntyre's wife and daughter were presented with his medal, a photograph placing them 'Outside Buckingham Palace 9 April 1946' with his daughter holding the B.E.M.; sold together with original letter to Mrs Murphy, copied photograph, war diary for the 7th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, regimental casualty roll, burial details and London Gazette entry.

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Sold for
£550

Starting price
£240

Sale 21003 Notices
Officially engraved naming upon a pre-prepared ground.