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Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 952

A Second World War Tobruk 1942 M.M. group of six awarded to Gunner J. Millar, Royal Artillery, who on two separate occasions exposed himself to heavy fire from small arms and Artillery fire

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (808008 Dvr. J.Millar. R.A.S.C.[sic]), on its original investiture pin; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine (6)

M.M. London Gazette 9 September 1942. The original recommendation states:

'Gunner Millar, throughout the seige of Tobruk and during the subsequent operations, this gunner has always shown great bravery and is quite regardless of his own safety. He showed great determination and initiative on the following two occasions. On 2 Dec, he was driving an Op 8cwt truck forward to occupy an Op on Bel Hamed. There was considerable small arms and shell fire, and the vehicle was left under cover while the officer made his reconaissance on foot. Gnr. Millar, entirely on his own initiative, himself went forward in another direction under very heavy rifle and MG fire, and found an OP forward of the FDLs. Again, on 14 Dec, at Gazala, he drove the FOO in the same vehicle to and fro 2000yds in front of a four gun 75mm battery, which the FOO was engaging, and which was shooting at them over open sights. Despite extremely severe fire of all descriptions, Gnr. Millar remained quite unperturbed.'

James Millar was born on 9 September 1912, and was a dental mechanic prior his joining the Royal Artillery at Glasgow on 1 December 1930. There is no mention of any association with the Royal Army Service Corps, so one assumes that this was a naming error. He had the trade of a Driver/Mechanic (A.F.V.) and transferred to Army Reserve with effect from 25 February 1946. His Testimonial states:

'A man with plenty of self confidence who is good at controlling men. Always well turned out. He lived at 7 Denmark Road, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey.'

Sold together with the following original archive comprising:

(i)
Card packing box for the Military Medal in Registered envelope, paper envelope for the M.M., however the insert and card box for the MM absent.

(ii)
Card box for the campaign medals with slip confirming awards.

(iii)
His pressed card identity tags.

(iv)
Two pairs of unused shoulder titles for the Royal Artillery.

(v)
Soldier's Service and Pay Book.

(vi)
Soldier's Release Book.

(vii)
Certificate of Transfer to the Army Reserve.

(viii)
Photograph Album with assorted photographs from North Africa.

(ix)
Several Telegrams (2), Christmas Greetings (2) and Postcards.

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

Sold for
£1,000

Starting price
£400