Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 426

Three: Private M. Crossen, 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, who was wounded and taken a Prisoner of War at the Fall of France

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (4444112 Pte. M. Crossen. Durh. L.I.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (3)

Matthew Crossen was born in 1906 and lived in Redcar, Yorkshire. He served with the Durham Light Infantry on the North-West Frontier (Medal & clasp) and then upon the outbreak of the Second World War, sailed for France with the 2nd Infantry Division as part of the B.E.F. in late September 1939. The next year they found themselves in Belgium on the River Dyle and when the enemy attacked on 10 May they put up a fine show, with Lieutenant Annand of Crossen's Battalion winning the first Army Victoria Cross of the conflict.

With the armoured attack thrown at them a spirited action at St. Pol held things for several hours but it was in vain. The survivors of the three Battalions and some engineers amounted to 14 officers and 219 other ranks, with stragglers falling in here and there. This rabble were named "Marleyforce" and fell back to Dunkirk, fighting off four Panzer Divisions along the way.

Crossen was eventually reported as having been wounded and taken a Prisoner of War. Little was heard of him until a postcard arrived back with his wife in September 1940, dated 28 June 1940, confirming he was 'behind the wire' (Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 7 September 1940, refers). His wounds were clearly rather severe, for Crossen was repatriated by the Germans in 1943, being discharged on 18 January 1944. His Second World War campaign medals were issued to him in July 1948.

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

Sold for
£270

Starting price
£100