War Medals

963501 GUNNER ARTHUR JOHN WINTER ROYAL ARTILLERY, TAKEN PRISONER OF WAR, GAZALA , NORTH AFRICA 1941

Military Medal "For Bravery In The Field" GV!R. INDIAE : IMP : obverse (983501 Gnr. A.J. WINTER, RA.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45 (all unnamed as issued) : (ARTHUR JOHN WINTER - Born 17 October 1919 at Camden Town, London, was serving in North Africa with 105/119 Field Battery, 31 Field Regiment Royal Artillery, when, "During an action at Sidi Azeiz on 3 December 1941 the wagon line of the Battery, which was in use, was subjected to very heavy enemy fire from machine-guns, anti-tank weapons and artillery shells. During the course if this bombardment, gun-tractor DT was hit and some of the cordite charges in the vehicle were set on fire. Immediately without orders and though still under heavy fire the recipient, with another man started to extinguish the fire by means of the extinguisher and by removing inflammable material with their hands. During the process they were both in considerable danger from the intense flaming of the cordite charges and from the high explosive shells located near them. By their own initiative and complete disregard of personal safety these two Gunners not only saved the gun section from complete destruction but also a considerable amount of vehicles and equipment." Both were recommended for the immediate award of the Military Medal which was subsequently approved by General Claude Auchinleck (Announced London Gazette dated 24 February 1942) : On 15 December 1941 the Battery was operating in the Gazala Line when it was over-run by German forces and the recipient was captured and made a Prisoner Of War. He was transported to Germany and interned at Stalag IVB at Muhlberg. He was later transferred to Stalag 344 at Lambinowice in Poland. where he was to remain until the end of the war.) ; Sold with verification, copy of original Military Medal recommendation, copy of original Transit Information Card, copy London Gazette entry and other related research EF - £1500