Auction Catalogue

16 & 17 September 2010

Starting at 1:00 PM

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Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

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Lot

№ 1634

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17 September 2010

Hammer Price:
£1,400

A Second World War ‘Italian Campaign’ M.M. group of six awarded to Serjeant Thomas Wright Marsh, Royal Fusiliers, awarded for bravery in the night attack on Croce, 5 September 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6470141 Sjt., R. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed, mounted court style for wear, nearly extremely fine (6) £1200-1500

M.M. London Gazette 8 March 1945.

Recommendation reads: ‘On the night of 5 September 1944, Sgt Marsh was platoon sergeant of the Battle Patrol. D Company was ordered to do a night attack on Croce, and the Battle Patrol was to assist them. During the attack, Sgt. Marsh was put in command of half the patrol. The first close opposition met was when the enemy opened up from a house with rifles and a spandau. Without hesitation Sgt. Marsh rushed up to the door, with his men following, threw a grenade inside, and followed it: he brought out seven prisoners. After this he led his men into two other occupied houses, and by his inspiring and skilful leadership killed or wounded the Germans in both without the loss of a single man. A spandau then opened up some distance away. Sgt. Marsh started going straight for it, but was fired at by several more from the rear. By this time, his party was in danger of being surrounded and he was ordered to rejoin D Company, under whose command he was. He began to fight his way back, he received a nasty wound in the jaw, but he continued to lead his men, and by rushing the Germans, he brought his whole party out safely, and with him two of the German prisoners.

Throughout the action, Sgt. Marsh showed an utter disregard for any kind of fire. He was continuously telling his men what to do, encouraging them, and inspiring them by his swift orders and actions; and it was his complete control and good leadership that brought all his men out of a difficult situation, causing many casualties to be inflicted on the Germans.’

With copied recommendation and other research.