Auction Catalogue

23 September 2011

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Download Images

Lot

№ 952

.

23 September 2011

Hammer Price:
£4,000

A Second World War North West Europe D.C.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant J. W. Teale, 2nd Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (6850982 Sjt. J. W. Teale, K.R.R.C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal, mounted for wearing, very fine (6) £4500-5000

D.C.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946.

The recommendation states: ‘Sergeant John William Teale, 2nd Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 4 Armoured Brigade, 8 Corps.

Sergeant Teale has consistently shown the highest qualities of courage and leadership throughout the campaign in Northern Europe, and indeed also in Africa and Italy. His Section of Carriers had often operated independently, and it is then that his initiative has been given full play.

On 28 October 1944 at Reijen, Sergeant Teale was a member of a patrol of one Officer and four ORs. The enemy from short range hit the Officer and a Corporal. Sergeant Teale carried back the Officer, returned and took back the Corporal. The Rifleman who was with him was wounded, so Sergeant Teale returned a third time and brought this Rifleman back. All this under heavy accurate fire.

On 9 April 1945 at Neuenkirchen, in an independent role Sergeant Teale’s Section found itself isolated and surrounded by the enemy. He directed the fire of his section with such effect that the enemy were driven back in confusion. It was a joy to hear his Section firing all their weapons. After replenishing with ammunition, his Section continued to play a gallant part in the attack, and in the evening led the advance into the village driving the enemy before him by the weight of his well-directed fire.

The offensive spirit of this NCO and his determined handling of his Section, was on this occasion largely instrumental in the success of the attack. Often during the last year has Sergeant Teale shown similar spirit in action with equally happy results. His example has inspired his Company with the highest offensive spirit.’