Orders, Decorations and Medals

An outstanding 1940 British Expeditionary Force M.M. group of six awarded to Private J. Plews, The Buffs
Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6286237 Pte., The Buffs); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (6286237 Pte., The Buffs); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine (6) £450-550

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

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M.M. London Gazette 20 December 1940.

The following recommendation is taken from regimental records: ‘On Monday, 20th May, 1940, at approximately 11.30 hours, Pte. Plews was sent by his Company Commander to report to Battalion H.Q. that enemy A.F.V. had been seen advancing on Doullens from the direction of Arras. Whilst he was at Battalion H.Q. a message came from the extreme right that enemy A.F.V. had been seen 500 yards away advancing from Doullens towards Arras. Pte. Plews was given a message to the company on the extreme right ordering them to withdraw to Frevant if unable to hold the enemy.

Pte. Plews was ordered to avoid the main road, Arras/Doullens. He was on his way when he encountered three German light tanks coming across his front. He tried to take cover, but at about 500 yards range one saw him and opened fire. Pte. Plews was uninjured, but his bicycle was wrecked by M.G. fire. One man left the tank and advanced towards him, but at about 30 yards range, Pte. Plews fired six rounds with his pistol and killed his attacker. The tank then turned to attack. Pte. Plews, having broken the petrol pipe of his bicycle to let out the petrol, made for cover. The tank fired several bursts, but without effect. After running for about 700 yards, Pte. Plews came to a road on which he held up a car and jumped on the running board. The car took him three miles to another detachment. Pte. Plews there borrowed another machine and started again to deliver his message. He proceeded to Doullens and about two kilos. from Doullens on the Road, Doullens/Frevant, encountered German heavy tanks. As he drove his bicycle off the road under the trees, they fired without effect. He was forced by the ground to return to the road and again the tanks opened fire, this time disabling the machine. Pte. Plews took cover in a house until they had passed and then set out on foot to deliver his message. He had just arrived at Doullens when the tanks appeared. Throughout these operations he displayed courage and persistance.’