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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 151

A rare Second World War North-West Europe immediate M.M. awarded to Private W. L. Winmill, 1st Herefordshire Regiment, late 4th King's Shropshire Light Infantry, who was decorated for his gallantry and 'amazing' devotion to duty as a stretcher bearer east of Caen in July 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4104856 Pte. W. L. Winmill, K.S.L.I.), re-riveted suspension, edge bruise, otherwise extremely fine

Provenance:
Purchased Ian W. Laidler, July 1995.

M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1944:

'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North-West Europe.'

The original recommendation for an immediate award - signed off by Montgomery - states:

'On the morning of 20 July 1944, our position was being heavily shelled by the enemy. Several hits were scored and there were many cries of men who had been wounded. Private Winmill, a regimental stretcher bearer to this Company, left his slit trench to give assistance, and, despite the fact shells were falling all around him, he rendered first aid and was instrumental in evacuating the wounded back to the regimental air post.

In the late afternoon, a bridge forward of our position was being heavily shelled and mortared, and a wounded man was reported as being in that vicinity. Private Winmill, in complete disregard for himself, took a jeep, driving it himself, and fetched the wounded man in.

In the evening, during our attack on an enemy position, Private Winmill rendered first aid under fire in several cases, including personnel of other units.

This man distinguished himself very well, and his tireless energy and devotion to duty was amazing, and a splendid example to all.'

William Lance Winmill, was born in Monmouthshire, Wales circa 1915 but later moved to Leominster and enlisted in the Herefordshire Regiment (Territorials) in May 1936.

As a member of the 1st Battalion, a component of 159th Infantry Brigade in 11th Armoured Division, he would have come ashore in Normandy on D-Day plus 7, following which he and his comrades were deployed to the Caen sector. Here, then, the scene of his M.M.-winning exploits on 22 July 1944.

Presented with his M.M. riband by Montgomery in the Field, he likely shared in the battalion's subsequent advance from the Seine to Antwerp, and thence to Lubeck - via the Rhine - on the Baltic coast. He was transferred to the Army Reserve in February 1946.

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Sold for
£1,800

Starting price
£800