Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional Posthumous Bronze Star group of four awarded to Captain H. McL. “Diamond Jim” Stacey, 141st (The Buffs) Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, 31st Armoured Brigade, killed in action in March 1945
1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal; U.S.A., Bronze Star, together with card box of issue for the first three addressed to his mother, and named condolence slip, extremely fine (4) £500-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brett Collection of Medals to The Buffs.

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Bronze Star London Gazette 17 October 1946: ‘Capt. Hugh McLaren Stacey, 324582, The Buffs (since died).’

The following recommendation for the Posthumous Award of the Bronze Star is taken from official records:

‘Lieut. Hugh McLaren Stacey has distinguished himself by heroic achievement not involving participation in aerial flight.

At Geilenkirchen on 20th November, 1944, when “A” Squadron 141 R.A.C. (The Buffs) was in support of 333 Infantry Regiment (84 United States Infantry Division) Lieut. H. M. Stacey was acting as Liaison Officer between the flame throwing tanks and the Infantry. During the course of the action in the direction of Suggerath, Lieut. H. M. Stacey was constantly up with the Infantry who were under very heavy mortar and shell fire. One platoon, having lost its commander and N.C.Os, was personally reorganised by Lieut. H. M. Stacey, and later did excellent work in the clearing of some pillboxes.

At one point during the battle, a party of 12 to 15 United States infantrymen all became casualties. Lieut. H. M. Stacey, who was on the spot, realising that these men were out of contact with their own troops, dashed back and organised a stretcher party.

He personally led this party to the wounded men, regardless of the heavy mortar and machine gun fire which was ranged on this area. Throughout the evacuation of these casualties, Lieut. H. M. Stacey was a fine source of inspiration and encouragement to all around him.

Two days later, Lieut. H. M. Stacey led a party of United States Engineers well forward of our forward troops, for the purpose of setting explosive charges upon secret equipment which had been disabled by the enemy the previous day. Again Lieut. H. M. Stacey distinguished himself by heroic achievement in that he performed his task in full view of the enemy and under heavy fire. All of these actions were highly commended by the local commanders.’

Captain Hugh ‘Diamond Jim’ Stacey was killed in action on the 1st March 1945. He was the son of Hugh and Cecilia Stacey, of Alciston, Sussex, and was only 19 years old when he was killed. He is buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.