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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 750

(x) A Second World War M.M. group of seven to Lance Sergeant A. Smith, Royal Engineers awarded for removing tanks under fire in Sicily

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2074394 L.Sjt. A. Smith. R.E.); 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45, court mounted for display, light contact marks to the first and toned, otherwise very fine (7)

M.M. London Gazette 8 November 1943, the original recommendation states:

'On 14 July '43 Sgt. Smith was ordered by his platoon commander to rescue a mined area in front of FRANCOFONTE Village, before which 152 Bde were held up by German Parachutists. He removed mines behind the enemy lines, and even penetrated into the town of FRANCOFORTE where the German Paratp bn. H.Qs. was located.

The next day Sgt. Smith was ordered to remove two enemy tanks which were blocking the road. One of these was 200 yds beyond our F.D.Ls. the other 400 yds further on. He successfully blew a small bank beside the first tank and proceeded to the second which was being used as an M.G. nest. He got within 30 yds but was pinned down by enemy fire. However he was able to assess the amount of work to be done. Snipers were very active, and dominated the area.

The enemy now began to advance and an N.C.O. and Sapper with Sgt. Smith were wounded. Sgt. Smith alone at great personal danger, ran to the sapper and tried to revive him. The enemy were now 15 yds away. He was not able to assist the sapper, so leaving him as comfortable as possible he crawled back to our lines which were still falling back. He tried again later to bring in the sapper but was not allowed to by an Inf. pl. commander, as the area was in enemy hands.

Sgt. Smith that evening again volunteered to clear the tanks from the road. This he arranged successfully, and at night penetrated again into FRANCOFORTE, and exposed himself investigating a suspicious object in the street.

In my opinion Sgt. Smith's initiative and bravery was instrumental in getting the guns up in time to break the enemy counter attack, and due to this the Bde was able to pass on to SCORDIA the next day.

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

Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£420