Orders, Decorations and Medals

An unusual Second World War North Africa operations D.C.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer W. G. Day, Royal Artillery, who, though wounded, manned his Bren in an enemy raid - and brought down a Ju. 88

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (1486714 W.O. Cl. II W. G. Day, Rt.(sic) A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine and better (5) £2800-3200

D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘At Daba Station at about 2045 hours on 8 May 1942, when the station was attacked by enemy bombers, Battery Sergeant-Major W. G. Day, who at that time was Troop Sergeant, manned the Bren gun at Troop H.Q. An ammunition train on a siding was set on fire by enemy action and the shells on it started to explode, flying in all directions. Battery Sergeant-Major Day continued to man his gun until a bomb exploded nearby, which knocked him down and wounded him in the cheek. When picked up by his officer, he refused medical attention and insisted on continuing to man the Bren gun. Another enemy aircraft then dived low over the position, firing its machine-guns. Battery Sergeant-Major Day, showing great coolness, engaged the aircraft throughout its dive regardless of further bombs, exploding shells and short range machine-gun fire from the aircraft. Tracer was seen to strike the aircraft, a Ju. 88, which crashed and exploded, all the crew being killed. On subsequent official examination, bullet holes were found in the pilot’s parachute which was still strapped to his back. The high degree of coolness, determination and devotion to duty shown by Battery Sergeant-Major Day under very trying conditions, and his complete disregard for his personal safety, even after being wounded and badly shaken by blast, set an example which is worthy of recognition.’

William George “Bill” Day, a native of Maidstone, where pre-war he was a popular type-setter on the Kent Messenger, was serving in 16 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A., at the time of the above deeds. His recommendation was signed by Montgomery; sold with a wartime newspaper cutting.