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Auction: 23002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 103

A rare 'Gazala Night Raid 1942' D.C.M. group of five awarded to Corporal N. J. Seggie, 1st Battalion, Rand Light Infantry, who led a daring foray through a minefield on a German outpost, securing a prisoner in the process

His award upgraded from an M.M. by General Auchinleck himself, Seggie was later taken prisoner-of-war during the retreat from the Gazala Line

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (33443 Cpl. N. J. Seggie. 1 R.L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War and Africa Service Medal 1939-45, these last four all officially impressed '33443 N. J. Seggie', contact marks, nearly very fine (5)

D.C.M. London Gazette 4 August 1942, the original recommendation states:

'For outstanding courage and leadership in a night patrol operating from Ain-El-Gazala on the night of 13/14 May 1942.

The Pl of which this N.C.O. was a Sec Comd., was ordered at very short notice on night 13/14 May 42 to endeavour to obtain a prisoner which was urgently needed by higher authority.

The Pl of which he was a part were blown up in a truck approaching the enemy posns, and he was badly shaken. His Pl Sgt and 3 other men were injured. The Pl nevertheless carried on on foot for 8 kilometres, and Cpl Seggie with his sec by good sec leading, crossed a minefield and stalked to within 15 yards of an enemy post, when they made their assault, killing 4 Germans and capturing one.

The success of this patrol was due in no small measure to this N.C.O.'s courage and skill in handling his section.'

Note one of only two such awards to this unit.

Norval James Seggie was born at Randfontein, South Africa on 24 September 1919, son of J. Seggie of 41 Folkstone Street, Randfontein. Working as a Mason prior to enlisting with the 1st Battalion, Rand Light Infantry on 8 April 1940. Disembarking at the Suez on 21 June 1941 Seggie joined the 1st South African Division and proceeded for service with them in the North African Theatre.

This unit found itself in action soon after its arrival during Operation Crusader, despite poor logistics and administrative issues leaving them when many men under equipped and untrained. They formed the furthest extreme of the British line, circling through Axis lines towards Sidi Rezeg. Once there heavy fighting saw the near destruction of the 5th South African Brigade, whilst their comrades held off the Italian Ariete Division. In spite of terrible losses 5th Brigade managed to inflict heavy losses of the Germans, the survivors withdrew south and reformed a defensive line. At this stage the British forces reformed on the Gazala Line, with the intent of trying to hold the inevitable German counter-attack there.

It was at this in this period of calm before the next battle that Seggie performed his act of heroism, during a night raid to snatch prisoners from the German lines. The daring shown by Seggie coupled with the success of this mission caused the award to be upgraded from the Military Medal to the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Despite incidents such as this the Rand Light Infantry were to find themselves in the path of a major German offensive in the Battle of Gazala. The 1st South African Division and 50th (Northumbrian) Division were given permission to withdraw on 14 June and began to pull back immediately. That same day Seggie was reported as missing, likely caught up in the German advance as the Allies began to give ground although his repatriation form gives his day of capture as 15 June.

He was taken first to Italy and later Germany where he was liberated by Allied forces and repatriated. Taken onto the strength of the Cape Fortress on 27 June 1945 he served until 22 November 1945. Seggie married Dorothy Seggie and lived at 194 Tempest Street, Welkom; sold together with copied discharge and service papers as well as a London Gazette entry.

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Sold for
£3,500

Starting price
£3500