A Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of four awarded to Gunner J. Fleming, 53rd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, who was decorated for his gallantry during the advance through Fornella in September 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14364114 Gnr. J. Fleming, R.A.), in its named card box of issue and forwarding box, with related Buckingham Palace letter; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, in their original addressed card forwarding box, together with a gilt and enamel Masonic ‘Operative Lodge’ Medal, with upper enamelled clasp ‘1939-1945’ and the reverse inscribed ‘Brother J. H. Fleming’, extremely fine (5) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On 2 September 1944, during the advance through Fornella, Gunner Fleming was one of an O.P. party with 6/13 Royal Frontier Force Rifles. The party was moving in a mule pack, and at one point came under heavy shell fire. A number of mules other than those of the O.P. party were in the same area and as a result of the shelling several bolted. Gunner Fleming who was in charge of two mules, succeeded in holding them on the track in spite of their attempts to stampede with the others and then single-handed, completely ignoring the shelling which increased in intensity as the German gunners realised they had got to their target, steadied the mules and re-loaded one on which the saddle had slipped when it fell during the shelling.

As the advance continued, the party was repeatedly shelled, but Gunner Fleming retained control of his mules and was successful in getting the wireless set and other equipment to the O.P. After taking the mules back to the mule point, Gunner Fleming returned to the O.P. and took over his duties as O.P. signaller. The O.P. had to be moved on two occasions as shelling or mortaring made it untenable, but despite this, Gunner Fleming carried out his duties coolly and efficiently.

During this period when the O.P. was subjected to the heaviest shelling experienced for a long time, Gunner Fleming by his courage and initiative not only ensured the safe arrival of the O.P. equipment, but also set an example which helped to steady his own party and also the infantry with whom they were working.’

John Fleming, a native of Dumfries, was serving in 53rd Field Regiment, R.A., a component of 8th Indian Division, 13 Corps, at the time of the above cited deeds.