A fine General Service Medal awarded to Colour Sergeant Major G. Hall, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding), who was awarded the M.M. in 1943 for eliminating two enemy snipers in the Tunisian desert

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (4610108 W.O. Cl.2. G. Hall. M.M. D.W.R.) pawn-broker’s mark to obverse, minor official corrections, nearly extremely fine £140-£180

M.M. London Gazette 23 September 1943.
The official recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. was Platoon Sergeant in one of the Companies which attacked the Bou Aukaz feature. During the night 5/6 key ammunitions ran short and at first light Sergeant Hall went out to contact the Company on the Da Brarim feature with a view to replenishing the ammunition supply of his Company. In spite of failure by a previous Company who were driven back by heavy machine gun fire, Sergeant Hall achieved his objective and brought back both ammunition and his party complete. Later, Sergeant Hall went out to stalk a pair of snipers who were installed in a rock built “sangar”. He manoeuvred himself into position with a Piat mortar and having broken up the “sangar” with accurate mortar fire, he disposed of the snipers. Sergeant Hall’s conduct throughout the battle was an inspiring example to his men.’

George Hall served in India from 1933 until 1935 with the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding). Transferred as Sergeant to the 1st Battalion, he was decorated with the Military Medal for gallantry displayed in North Africa in the spring of 1943. At this time the Afrika Korps under General Erwin Rommel was in full retreat, the Germans relying heavily upon mines and sniping to ‘buy time’ and enable as many troops as possible to escape northwards through Tunisia. Aided by the Ultra code-breakers, British and Allied troops forced an enemy surrender in May 1943. Promoted Colour Sergeant Major, Hall witnessed further service in Palestine during the insurgency.