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Auction: 5005 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 565

A Second War El Duda, Tobruk Operations, M.M. to Private C.A. Churan, Essex Regiment Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6018573 Pte. C.A. Churan. Essex R.), edge bruising, very fine Estimate £ 900-1,100 M.M. London Gazette 24.2.1942 ´In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East´ No. 6018673 Private Charles Adelbert Churan, The Essex Regiment (London N.W.3) The Recommendation states; ´This man is signal linesman at Bn. HQ. On 26 Nov. within one hour of the capture of El Duda in the face of M.G. fire and under heavy Arty. and mortar fire of all calibres, this man rapidly and successfully laid lines to the two forward Coys. On 29 Nov. when the enemy attacked with tanks and infantry under cover of heavy Arty. concentrations, this man 3 times repaired lines from Bn HQ to Coys with complete disregard to exposure and personal danger, thus enabling communications to be maintained which were at the time, vital to the conduct of the defence. On many other occasions during the holding of El Duda he has repaired lines under heavy fire. This has been an outstanding example to all ranks of courage and devotion to duty.´ Sergeant Charles Adelbert Churan won his M.M. in the final phase of operations to attack, capture and hold a commanding portion of the El Adem escarpment known as El Duda, about eight miles south of Tobruk. The advance to this feature had been slowed down by well prepared defences with wire and mines as well as heavy and accurate artillery fire. Lieutenant J.J. Jackman, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, won the Victoria Cross for his part in leading the attack towards the El Duda position. The next day, 26.10.1942, at 1.45p.m., 1 Battalion Essex Regiment and attached troops made the final advance behind a line of tanks. By 3p.m. all companies had reached their objectives. Immediately the central area, which had very little cover and was occupied by Battalion H.Q., came under heavy artillery fire. At the same time the enemy launched three separate counter attacks, from the south, east and west. Amid much confused fighting all attacks were held and eventually driven off, and the position was consolidated. Sergeant Churan later served in Burma in 44 Column (Mentioned in Despatches 19.7.1945).

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£1,050