Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 521

A Tobruk Escaper's M.M. group of four awarded to Lance Sergeant C. E. H. Bagg, Royal Engineers, who dragged a wounded sapper from his vehicle in the middle of an air raid and, having escaped captivity in Italy, reached British lines

Military Medal, G.VI.R (2193490 L. Sjt. C, E, H. Bagg, R.E.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, with clasp, 8th Army; War Medal 1939-45, edge bruise to first, minor contact marks overall, very fine (4)

M.M. London Gazette 9 September 1942, the original recommendation states:

'Throughout the period of the recent operations, Cpl. Bagg has shown exemplary devotion to duty, especially in ensuring that no vehicle of his troop was abandoned through breakdown or through becoming bogged in sand.

On 21 Jan 42, the first day of the German advance, when at Alem Zogba, S.W. of Agedabia, the H.W. vehicles of his troop were given a sudden order to move. This order did not at once reach all the drivers, but Cpl. Bagg, though the Leaguer was being shelled by the enemy, remained there and organised the remaining vehicles into proper formation, and then lef them back to Sqn. H.Q. without loss.

On 26 Jan 42, between Msus and Hagfet Gelgaf, a Sqn. H.Q. vehicle was set on fire by low-flying aircraft m.g. attack. Cpl. Bagg, who was travelling behind in a winch lorry, at once rushed to the lorry and, though unable to save it, succeeded in extracting Spr. Parker, who had been severely wounded in the arm and leg. Had it not been for Cpl. Bagg's prompt action, while enemy aircraft were still circling the area, Spr. Parker would undoubtedly have been burned to death.

During the withdrawal, Cpl. Bagg, on several occasions, showed marked determination and resource in extricating damaged and bogged vehicles, and in the destruction, in the face of the enemy of those which could not be salvaged.'

Clarence Edward Holden Bagg was born at Barnsley, Yorkshire in 1918. He served in North Africa with 1st Field Squadron, Royal Engineers, this until arrived in September 1941 they took part in the fighting at Gazala and later at Tobruk. They likely served attached to the 1st Armoured Division which was in the area of Agedabia at the time and suffered losses of over half their tanks in fighting between 28-29 December. Bagg's act of bravery could not prevent him from being taken prisoner on 20 June with the fall of Tobruk. He was transported to Camp No. '78' at Sulmona in Italy where he was held a prisoner of war, however he managed to escape and return to British lines. Bagg died in October 1973 at Barton, Lancashire; sold together with copied research including casualty lists, census information, a London Gazette entry, his citation and a former catalogue listing.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£4,000

Starting price
£1100