Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Corporal M Johnston, Royal Marines

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette ((Mne 1 P041698P RM); General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (Mne P041698P RM); Gulf 1990-91, 1 clasp, 16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991 (Cpl P041698P RM) nearly extremely fine (3) £800-1000

Sold with a detailed file of copied research, including a coloured copy of Certificate of Commendation by the British Forces Commander Middle East for outstanding service during Operation Granby, inscribed with Johnston’s name and signed by Peter de la Billiere; copied photographs and Certificate of Service.

The following is extracted from a signed three page biography written by recipient on his military service: ‘... On approaching the Falklands I transferred with other elements of 40 Commando to H.M.S. Intrepid, one of two Amphibious Assault Ships deployed, the other being H.M.S. Fearless. I along with my company landed in San Carlos water on 21 May 1982 on a large landing craft with a Scimitar tank from the Blues and Royals taking the lead. The landing was unopposed and we quickly established ourselves in the hills around San Carlos Water.

On the first day the Argentinian Air Force began their concerted attacks which lasted a number of weeks. My troop, part of ‘B’ CompaNY, 40 Commando claimed a shooting down of one A4 Skyhawk, date I think was 27 May. This it is believed was achieved by opening up with small arms including self loading rifles and general purpose machine guns... Trench foot was rife with many injecting themselves with morphine to relieve the pain. I can only describe this as it felt like someone had piers on your toes!’