Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 204

(x) A fine Second World War 'D-Day + 1' B.E.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal K. J. Roff, 170 Company, Pioneer Corps

British Empire Medal (Military), G.VI.R. (13106210. L/Cpl. Kenneth J. Roff), mounted on original pin, toned, good very fine

B.E.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946. The original recommendation states:

'On the night of 7 June 1944, on the beaches at Courseulles, Normandy, an enemy aerial attack was in progress during which a bomb fell amongst some vehicles loaded with ammunition and high explosives, setting fire to them and causing the ammunition to explode.

As a result of this one man was killed and three injured from this unit and several personnel from a Royal Engineers unit were badly injured. This non-commissioned officer completely disregarding all danger and at great personal risk to himself, remained with the injured personnel rendering them first aid and then helping them to places of safety.

This is one example of the outstanding work of this non-commissioned officer, who has at all times and in all weathers, cheerfully performed his duties as a leader. His devotion to duty has been of the greatest help to his Commanding Officer throughout the Campaign.'

Kenneth John Roff was born on 17 October 1907 at Watford, Hertfordshire and was an aircraft finisher when he enlisted in the Pioneer Corps. He landed with his Company on Juno beach, Normandy on 6 June 1944 which spanned from Courseulles, a village just East of Gold beach, to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, just West of Sword beach.

The following entries were extracted from the Royal Pioneer Corps Association and the Companies' official war diaries.

'170 Company. June 6, 0825 hours. First serials landed on Nan sector, White and Red Beaches. Landing craft struck a mine on landing. Some opposition, particularly heavy sniping on Red. Some isolated pill boxes still holding out. These were eventually silenced by guns of landing craft.

13.30 hours. Remainder of company, including OC, land on White Beach. Tasks: clearing Red, White and Green Beaches, laying lateral track and constructing wheeled and track exits.

129 Company. June 6, 0800 hours. Disembarked on Red Beach under mortar fire. Water at commencement of day was only ankle deep but rose to 3ft 6ins. Moved to prearranged rendezvous. While going through a partially cleared minefield, two of our stretcher bearers brought in three wounded - commandos who had been lying in the open for four hours. Several enemy pockets were encountered and broken up by concentrated mortar fire. Working on beach and road clearance.

293 Company. June 6, 0800 hours. Lay off beaches and at 12.30 landed and immediately commenced collecting casualties. Worked all night. Intermittent bombing but no casualties.

June 7. Continued collecting casualties from beaches and inland, transporting them from BDS to FDS, and then loading them for evacuation. Loaded two landing ships with wounded. Bombed again during the night but no casualties.'

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£850

Starting price
£400