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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 247

(x) The superb 'Siege of Malta' M.C. group of seven awarded to Major M. D. Van Lessen, Hampshire Regiment, who had previously been 'mentioned' during the Palestine Emergency in 1939; he was later a well-known antiquarian and Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society

Military Cross, G.VI.R., on its original investiture pin, the reverse dated '1943', with its Royal Mint case of issue; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine, with M.I.D. oak leaf (2-Lieut. M. D. Van-Lessen. Hamps. R.); 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, minor contact marks, overall good very fine (7)

M.C. London Gazette 18 February 1943, the original recommendation states:

'CAPT. VAN-LESSEN has served in or commanded a Coy on the Safi Strip from April 1941 to March 1942 and again from May 1942 to July 1942. Throughout this long period, which included the time when the enemy was making his maximum attacks two or three times a day CAPT.VAN-LESSEN showed a high sense of duty, a fine example and much enterprise in directing the fire of his A.A. LMGs., in organising and leading rescue and salvage parties on several occasions when our own aircraft, loaded with bombs, had caught fire.
A particular instance occurred in Dec. 1941 when several Wellington aircraft were set on fire by enemy action. In spite of the fact that these machines were carrying bombs, and while other bombs from a nearby dump were exploding, CAPT. VAN-LESSEN personally led the party, which at great personal risk, attempted to save the aircraft. CAPT. VAN-LESSEN persevered in his efforts long after he was justified in abandoning them. On this and on other occasions he lot a fine example and showed complete disregard of his own safety.
With his "HQ" an almost miraculous example of near misses, his Pl. areas reduced to shambles, CAPT. VAN LESSEN has during this long period never failed to carry out his duties, often at great personal risk, and always with coolness and ability. His personal example has inspired all under his command to considerable and sustained efforts in exceptionally, trying circumstances.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 December 1939:

'…in recognition of distinguished services rendered in connection with the operations in Palestine during the period 1st April to 30th July 1939.'

Michael Derek Van Lessen was born at Hendon, Buckinghamshire on 22 November 1916, the son of Derrick and Gladys Van Lessen. Educated at Sherborne School (The Green 1930-34) and Sandhurst he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant and joined 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment in Palestine. There he was 'mentioned' for his service, this going with a promotion to Lieutenant on 27 August 1939.

The outbreak of the Second World War saw the Battalion posted to Egypt on 11 December 1939, arriving at El Daba, Egypt. From there they were to join the first British offensive in North Africa, going into action at Sidi Barrani where the British despite being heavily outnumbered handed the Italians a stunning defeat.

The Battalion remained in Egypt as part of the garrison rather than advancing into Libya and as it became clear that Malta would prove a lynchpin of the British position in the Mediterranean they were posted there. Joining the Malta Infantry Brigade on 21 February 1941 it was there that Van Lessen earned his decoration for expectational bravery over the course of the Siege.

As the Siege continued air attacks grew in strength from November 1941 reaching a fever pitch which saw the Island become 'one of the most bombed places on earth'. Van Lessen was at the forefront of the response, searching bombed buildings for survivors, unloading ships- often under fire- before the enemy could destroy them and even undertaking an anti-aircraft using the Battalion's L.M.G.s.

The arrival of further air assists, particularly spitfires in May 1942 saw the air attacks broken and the Battalion was posted back to Egypt to begin training for Operation Husky. They landed in Sicily successfully but as the campaign was coming to an end Van Lessen was taken prisoner, at some stage in August 1943. He was taken to Oflag XII-B in Hesse and held there for the rest of the war, being advanced Captain on 27 August 1944, despite being a prisoner.

Remaining in the Military after the war he found himself largely posted to Southern Arabia, receiving a further promotion to Major during this time on 27 August 1949. Accepting a commission to the 2nd Battalion, Aden Protectorate Levies he studied at SOAS in January 1957 where he was taught Arabic by Professor Mahmoud Ghul. It was his friendship with Ghul that Van Lessen credited as the basis for his interest in Numismatics.

Heading out to Aden in March 1957 he was to serve there until June 1963, developing his love for Arabian Antiquites as well as the coinage of the former Greek City States. Elected a Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society Van Lessen donated a number items from his collection to the British Museum; sold together with copied research.

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

Estimate
£1,800 to £2,200

Starting price
£1400