A Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of six awarded to 2nd Lieutenant D. Lockyear, 3rd Field Regiment, late 65th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery, who was decorated for his gallantry during a tank battle at Gabr el Abidi in December 1941 - afterwards commissioned, he was killed in action at the crossing of the River Sangro in November 1943

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7888801 L. Sjt. D. Lockyear, R.A.), with its named card box of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine and better (6) £1000-1500

M.M. London Gazette 24 February 1942. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On 31 December 1941, during a heavy tank attack west of Gabr el Abidi, Lance-Sergeant Lockyear was the Troop Sergeant. His troop of anti-tank guns was forward of, and in defence of the Field Artillery. Under heavy fire, he was of the greatest assistance to his Troop Commander during the operation and when last seen that night, was still fighting the only remaining gun of the Troop. He remained with the Troop Commander all night and was found by a patrol the following morning.’

Denis Lockyear was serving in 258th Anti-Tank Battery, 65th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regiment at the time of the subsequent deeds. Subsequently commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 3rd Field Regiment, R.A., he was killed in action during the crossing of the River Sangro on 23 November 1943. The son of Bertram Edwin and Louisa Mary Lockyear of Hastings, Sussex, he is buried in the Sangro River Cemetery; sold with original Buckingham Palace investiture letter addressed to the recipient’s mother, and dated 21 June 1949.