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Auction: 21103 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction 4
Lot: 332

A Second World War 'Western Desert' M.C. group of four awarded to Captain W. Darby, Royal Army Medical Corps

Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1943', unnamed as issued; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; War Medal 1939-45, with named compliment slip to 'Captain W. Darby,', good very fine


M.C. London Gazette 18 February 1943. The official recommendation, dated 5 October 1942, states:

'This officer has served as Senior Officer No. 1 Light Field Ambulance since April, 1941. He has always shown keenness and particular aptitude in the handling of men and skill and tact in his professional capacity. Since the unit's arrival in the Middle East in November, 1941, he has served continuously in the Western Desert. In the operations around El Agheila and Hassieat in January this year his section was with Battle H.Q. 1 Support Group and since February his Section has been attached to Headquarters, 2 Armd. Bde. During all this time he has shown himself possessed of great courage and has carried out his duties without regard to his surroundings. During the Knightsbridge, Acroma and Tobruch battle of May and June 1942, he particularly showed his mettle and carried on treating casualties under intense aerial and artillery bombardment. He was frequently seen busily engaged in operating and giving transfusions when others were taking shelter in slit trenches, and showing total disregard for his own personal safety. He has always got his casualties back and they arrived at the Main Dressing Station in the best possible condition. This Officer's splendid devotion to duty has saved many lives and he is an outstanding example to all ranks. With confidence, I strongly recommend that Captain Darby be awarded the Military Cross.'

William H. Darby was born in 1916, the son of Lieutenant Harold Darby (see Lot 295) and brother of Chief Technician James K. Darby (see Lot 309). Educated at London University, he worked as a House Physician at Paddington Hospital and served from 1940 with No. 1, Light Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. He died on 5 December 1942 and is buried in the Heliopolis War Cemetery on the outskirts of Cairo.

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Sold for
£900

Starting price
£400