A Second World War North West Europe operations M.M. group of six to Lance-Corporal J. Gallagher, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, late Devonshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14445070 L. Cpl., Devon R.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (14445070 Fus., R. Innisks.) good very fine (6) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the collection of Angela and the late Douglas Bertram.

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M.M. London Gazette 12 July 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘At Marsum on 8 April 1945, Private Gallagher was a member of a platoon working with a troop of tanks to investigate the state of a bridge across the River Weser. When within 150 yeard of the river the enemy opened up from the other side with rifles and machine-guns and 88mm. A.A. guns. Owing to the openness of the ground it was decided to withdraw the platoon to a flank behind a small rise. Private Gallagher’s section remained behind to give covering fire. The section then tried to extricate itself. Gallagher thereupon seized the Bren gun and with one other soldier remained in position firing the gum till his ammunition ran out. During this time his comrade was killed by the intense enemy fire. His bravery and coolness under extreme conditions were a magnificent example to the whole platoon and his action undoubtedly saved the lives of his comrades.’

Note: A Military Medal marked ‘replacement’ is known to exist to this recipient (Glendining’s, 6 July 1977, Lot 6).