The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A fine Second World War crossing of the Rhine operations M.M. awarded to Sapper J. W. Angel, Royal Engineers, attached 6th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, a gallant reconnaissance car Bren gunner who had earlier served in 22 Bomb Disposal Company

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1914153 Sapr. J. W. Angel, R.E.), good very fine £1600-1800

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 7 June 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘On 25 March 1945, Sapper J. W. Angel was Bren gunner in a recce. car accompanying 6/King’s Own Scottish Borderers in the advance to gain a bridge on the River Issel north of Hamminkeln. When the leading infantry came under fire, Sapper Angel engaged the enemy and drew their fire thus assisting the infantry to locate and silence them. Later when the infantry were hard pressed by counter-attacks, Sapper Angel moved out in his recce. car in full view of the enemy and by engaging them with his Bren gun forced them to go to ground. After replenishing his ammunition he patrolled round neighbouring farmhouses on foot to deal with enemy parties that had infiltrated and later brought forward under gun and small arms fire his unit’s explosives truck which was required for work. Throughout the action Sapper Angel displayed complete disregard for his own safety and his initiative and offensive spirit in co-operating with the infantry were proof of his very fine sense of duty and his determination to carry it out.’

James Walter Angel, who was born in Hamworthy, Devon in April 1906, enlisted in the Royal Engineers in January 1940 and quickly saw action out in France with the B.E.F. Having then served in No. 3 Lines of Communication, he was posted to No. 22 Bomb Disposal Company, based in Colchester, in August 1941, where he served until removing to No. 8 Decks Group in July 1943 and thence, that October, to No. 279 Field Company, R.E. And it was in the latter unit that he went out to France in mid-June 1944, seeing action throughout the North-West Europe operations up until the end of the War. Angel was placed on the Reserve in December 1945, the month after he received a £5 L.S. &. G.C. gratuity.

Sold with hand written service details.