A Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Bombardier R. C. Lambley, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1150434 L. Bdr., R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (5) £800-900

M.M. London Gazette 28 June 1945.

Recommendation states: ‘This L/Bdr. has for six months shown exemplary skill and zeal in his duties as medical orderly i/c Regimental R.A.P. under the Medical Officer. On 11 December 1944 when the R.H.Q. and one Battery of the Regiment occupied exposed positions in view of the enemy South of Fontanelice the RAP was placed in a farm house close to the road convenient to both troops. This road became a favourite harassing target for the enemy and nearly every day and night up to 1 Jan shells fell often in the form of heavy concentrations round about the area of the RAP. At the time, no alternative position could be found subject to less shell fire. The invaluable work of the RAP continued and many casualties had their wounds dressed there. On 28 and 29 December shelling increased in the area and on the night of 30 December several vehicles were hit and set alight in the farm yard in front of the RAP. The house adjoining was hit and shell splinters, stones and fumes came through the RAP window. L/Bdr. Lambley removed the equipment to a rear room. The nearby troop command post received a direct jit, casualties being treated and evacuated from the RAP. Next day the roof of the RAP was hit. An Italian soldier was brought to the RAP with serious wounds. When carrying him to the ambulance in an attempt to evacuate him two men carrying the stretcher with L/Bdr. Lambley took fright on the arrival of some shells, dropped their end of the stretcher causing Lambleys end to cut his leg severely. Collecting further stretcher bearers he continued under shell fire to evacuate the casualty and only when this was complete did he admit to his wound, which was a rip in the leg 8 inches long. He asked to be left on duty after it had been stitched and for four more days worked under heavy shell fire. More buildings around the house were hit setting off charges, small arms ammunition etc. On 3 Jan with great difficulty again under shell fire the RAP equipment was moved to the new Troop Command Post to a room evacuated by the infantry. This move was carried out at 0200 hours owing to shells falling in the courtyard and road up till then. L/Bdr. Lambley did invaluable work during all this period and is deserving of the highest praise for courage and devotion to duty’.

Sold with Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; named M.M. forwarding slip; campaign medal forwarding slip; War Office letter, adted 16 July 1945, to Mrs R. C. Lambley of 4 Senga Road, Hackbridge, Wallington, informing her of her husband’s M.M.; a postcard photograph of the recipient; a 10 Lire note, and copied research.