A Second War ‘Stretcher-Bearer’s’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Corporal W. J. Malcolm, Royal Scots Fusiliers, for his gallantry in rescuing nine wounded men under enemy fire from a minefield on the banks of the Garigliano River, 17-18 January 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3132291 L. Cpl. W. J. Malcolm. R.S. Fus.) on original mounting pin; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (6) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 29 June 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The original Recommendation, dated 4 February 1944, states: ‘This N.C.O. was in charge of the stretcher bearers attached to “A” Company which landed north of the Garigliano River on the night of 17-18 January 1944. In attempting to move inland, the company encountered an “S” minefield and suffered casualties on it. Wounded men were inside the minefield and in considerable pain. It was a very dark night and there were numerous “S” mines, trip wires, and other booby traps. Instead of awaiting for the arrival of the party with a mine detector which was expected shortly, Lance-Corporal Malcolm, at great personal risk, crawled into the minefield alone, feeling his way with his hands. Having located a safe path to each wounded man and marked it with lengths of bandage, he brought up two other stretcher bearers. With these he brought five walking casualties and four stretcher cases back onto the beach. Here Lance-Corporal Malcolm dug slit trenches for his casualties and remained with them until daylight when he was able to evacuate them to the Regimental Aid Post.

Throughout the night the beach and foreshore were subjected to constant artillery and mortar fire which was very heavy at times. By his initiative and devotion to duty, together with the bravery he displayed, Lance-Corporal Malcolm undoubtedly saved the lives of nine casualties in the minefield.’

William John Malcolm attested for the Royal Scots Fusiliers at Hurlford, Kilmarnock, and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Second World War, initially with the British Expeditionary Force, being evacuated from Dunkirk. He subsequently served in Madagascar, India, Persia, Iraq, Syria, Sicily, Italy, and North-West Europe, and for his services in Italy was awarded the Military Medal.

Sold with copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient.