Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War Italian theatre M.M. awarded to Corporal S. C. Barnes, 5th Battalion, The Buffs

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6405804 A.Cpl., The Buffs) very fine £400-500

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 7 December 1944.

The following recommendation was taken from official records:

‘On 30th May 1944, Corporal Barnes was a section Commander in the leading platoon of the 5th Bn., The Buffs, during the advance on Point 271, near Ripi.

On arrival at the objective, Corporal Barnes led his section with great skill and daring and succeeded in taking five German prisoners. His platoon then consolidated the position on this feature. Shortly after placing his section an enemy Despatch Rider walked towards his position; Corporal Barnes immediately jumped up and chased after him, firing as he advanced.

Immediately following on this incident, his section was attacked by approximately a platoon of the enemy. Corporal Barnes remained perfectly calm and commanded his section with great courage and determination. The attackers were driven off having suffered several casualties. There were no casualties at all in Corporal Barnes’ section.

During the following night, Corporal Barnes gave great help to the Company Stretcher Bearers who were trying to evacuate the Company Commander who had been badly wounded. Throughout the whole operation, Corporal Barnes led his section with great skill and set a magnificent example to all the men in his section. It was largely due to his great efforts that the Company was able to hold on to the position against all the enemy attacks.’