The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A good Second World War B.E.F. 1940 operations M.M. awarded to Bombardier F. S. Atherton, Royal Artillery, who was twice wounded in evacuating his Troop under heavy fire in June 1940

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (830118 Bmbr. F. S. Atherton, R.A.), edge nicks, otherwise good very fine £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 20 December 1940. The original recommendation states:

‘On 15 June 1940, 5th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry withdrew from positions near Ferriere leaving the guns of ‘C’ Troop, 213 Battery in exposed positions in direct contact with the enemy. Although wounded, Bombardier Atherton covered the safe withdrawal of the remainder of the Troop guns by the small arms fire of his detachment and although again wounded later successfully evacuated his gun and detachment. This N.C.O. showed coolness and courage of a high order.’

Francis Samuel Atherton, who was born near Manchester in December 1906, enlisted in the 52nd Field Brigade, R.A. (Territorials) in May 1933 and rose to the rank of Bombardier before being discharged in May 1938. Recalled on the renewal of hostilities in September 1939, he was posted to 54 Anti-Tank Regiment, R.A. in May 1940 and was embarked for France on 7 June. Twice wounded in his subsequent M.M. winning exploits near Ferriere on the 15th, he was evacuated back to the U.K. three days later, his injuries including a gunshot wound to his right lower leg. And although he rejoined another battery at the end of the year, he was discharged as permanently unfit in February 1941.

Sold with hand written service details.