Orders, Decorations and Medals

A 1940 Battle of France M.M. group of three awarded to Guardsman Reginald Abson, Coldstream Guards

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2655363 Gdsmn. R. Abson, C. Gds.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (3) £1200-1500

Ex Seabrook Collection, D.N.W. 28 March 2002.

M.M. London Gazette 22 October 1940. The recommendation states: ‘During the period 21/22 May, 1940, at Pecq on the Scheldt, Gdmn. Abson was in charge of his company’s stretcher bearers. The posts were in a very exposed position. He repeatedly went across the open to attend to the wounded under heavy rifle fire. Guardsman Abson showed no regard for his personal safety and was a fine example to all ranks.’

Reginald Abson was born at Doncaster on 6 May 1911, and enlisted into the Coldstream Guards at Sheffield on 18 January 1932. He served with the B.E.F. in France from 19 September 1939 until 4 June 1940, when he was evacuated from Dunkirk. He was discharged for medical reasons on 11 December 1941, then being described as ‘An excellent soldier and a good fighter. A very steady and reliable man.’