Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Second World War North Africa Gazala operations M.M. group of six awarded to Gunner W. H. Prangell, Royal Artillery, who won an immediate award for his bravery in evacuating wounded in costly rear guard action of June 1942

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1099092 Gnr. W. H. Prangell, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (6) £1000-1200

M.M. London Gazette 24 September 1942. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘At Mrassas on 15 June 1942, when volunteers were called for to go forward to assist in the evacuation of wounded from F Troop, which at the time was under intensive fire from tanks and 105s, his immediate and cheerful response was an inspiration to others who followed his example. He went forward under heavy shellfire and assisted in carrying a number of wounded men to safety. For several hours he continued his labours, going backwards and forwards to the position, paying no attention to the shelling and did not pause until the position was finally evacuated. He set a splendid example of unselfish devotion to duty.’

William Henry Prangell was serving in 74th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, at the time of the above cited action, an important episode in what became known as the battle of Gazala - his fellow gunners won a D.S.O., M.C. and D.C.M. on the same date, in addition to two other M.Ms, their unit suffering heavy casualties in the face of relentless attack by enemy tanks. 74th Field Regiment’s War Diary takes up the story, a retrospective account in lieu of the hectic nature of operations at the time:

‘F Troop, who were detailed to act as rear guard, with C Company, 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, arrived at the outpost and were ordered back as the route was blocked by burning trucks. They followed 293 and 9/D.L.I. down the pass to the coast road. On arrival on the beach, they found the column held up, and Captain Grimston, Troop Commander, decided to push on into the lead. He was asked then by Colonel Percy, commanding 9/D.L.I., if he would act as rear guard to cover the column. They went into action and engaged the enemy who appeared between the coast and the road. Captain Grimston ordered the Troop forward to his O.P. As they arrived, they were fired on by nine tanks. The Troop went into action at once, and in the ensuing action knocked out seven tanks. Sergeant Turnbull of L-sub gun claimed four of them.

Sergeant Turnbull and four of his detachment were wounded, and the gun was manned by Captain Grimston as No. 1, Captain Irvine, Lieutenant Ibbetson and Battery Sergeant-Major Redpath. During this time, Captain Grimston was wounded. For this action Captain Grimston was awarded the D.S.O., Captain Irvine the M.C., Battery Sergeant-Major Redpath the D.C.M., Sergeant Turnbull the M.M., and Lance-Bombardier Asquith, who was wounded three times, the M.M. Gunner Prangell, who voluntarily came up and assisted in carrying numbers of wounded away was also awarded the M.M. Meanwhile, of the other guns, K-sub was knocked out and Lance-Bombardier Whitfield was killed and 10 O.Rs were wounded ... ’

74th Field Regiment, R.A. went on to lend valuable service in the North-West Europe campaign 1944-45, having landed on “Gold Beach” on D-Day, as part of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division. With some copied research including photograph of the recipient in uniform.