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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 299

The outstanding General Service Medal awarded to Lance-Corporal D. W. Hynam, 22 Special Air Service, who was 'mentioned' - having been recommended for the M.M. - for his gallantry in January 1958 during the attack by 'A' Squadron on the Aqbat Al Dhafar

General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Malaya, Arabian Peninsula, with M.I.D. oak leaf (22546978 Pte. D. W. Hynam. S.W.B.), very fine

M.I.D. London Gazette 25 August 1959:

'...in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Arabian Peninsula.'

The original recommendation - for the M.M. - states:

'Night 23/24 January 1959. L/Corporal Hynam was commanding a section in 'A' Squadron, 22 Special Air Service which had been ordered to seize and hold the feature known as the Aqbat Al Dhafar during the night 23/24 January. The feature was an extremely strong one at a height of nearly 8,000 feet with precipitous 3,000 feet cliffs on either side. Only three narrow tracks led to the summit about 200 feet above.

His Troop put in a strong attack up one path but his Troop Commander and one Section was pinned down by accurate and heavy LMG fire which wounded one man. Hynam quickly assessed the situation and worked his Section round by fire and movement, both to allow the wounded man to be extracted and to bring devastating fire to bear on the enemy from about 50 yards range. During the following ascent to the top of the feature Hynam was consistently the first into the attack as he led his section in a series of short rushes.

His total disregard for personal safety, and his dash were an example to his whole troop.'

The services of the SAS in Oman in 1958-59, including the actions on the Jebel Akdar and actions like at Aqbat Al Dhafar re-established the unit to propel them into the second half of the 20th century. It saw a number of gallantry awards being bestowed, including an M.C. to Lieutenant Jeapes for the same action as Hynam. Peter de la Billiere also earned his M.C. during this short but celebrated campaign.

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Sold for
£6,000

Starting price
£2700