Auction Catalogue

17 September 1999

Starting at 12:00 PM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Regus Conference Centre  12 St James Square  London  SW1Y 4RB

Lot

№ 932

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17 September 1999

Hammer Price:
£650

The campaign group of six awarded to Major William Kennedy, M.C., The Buffs, killed in action in Italy in October 1944

General Service 1918-62,
1 clasp, Palestine (6284608 Sjt., The Buffs); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf, extremely fine (6) £200-250

M.C. London Gazette 9 March 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’ The recommendation reads: ‘During the attack on “Vineyard Hill” near San Salvo on 4 Nov 43, Lieut Kenedy was acting as Company Commander of B Coy 6 R.W.K. On reaching their objective the Coy came under heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire. Showing great coolness and courage Lieut Kennedy directed the Coy into positions to enable effective fire to be brought to bear on the enemy.

At this time a Sherman tank supporting this Coy was knocked out by 88 mm anti-tank gun fire, and set on fire. Lieut Kennedy showed disregard for his personal safety, crossed the open ground to the tank through very heavy machine gun and mortar fire, and seeing that several of the crew were trapped inside the tank, unhesitatingly plunged into the burning tank and brought out in succession two wounded men. A second after he had rescued the second man the tank’s ammunition blew up. This young Lieutenant, commanding a company for the first time, showed great initiative and resource and his prompt actions and disregard for his personal safety were a great inspiration and example to the men under his command.’

M.I.D.
London Gazette 23 September 1943: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa:- 6284608 C.-Sergt. (actg. W.O.II (C.S.M.)) W. Kennedy, The Buffs.’

Commissioned
London Gazette 3 December 1943: ‘The undermentioned are granted Immediate Emergency Commns., from the ranks in the rank of 2nd Lt., 14th Sept. 1943:- 6284608 C.S.M. William Kennedy (297240), The Buffs.’

Major William Kennedy, M.C., The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) was killed in action on 24 October 1944, aged 34 years, and is buried in Faenza War Cemetery, Italy.