The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A Second World War ‘North Africa’ B.E.M. group of five awarded to Private J. Miley, Pioneer Corps

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (No.13096293 Pte. John Miley); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, these unnamed, some edge bruising, very fine (5) £350-450

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

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B.E.M. London Gazette 16 September 1943.

Recommendation reads: ‘On Friday, 4th December, 1942 on the Quai Sud, Bone, this man was on duty as part of a labouring group sent out by this [209th] Coy. The petrol dump caught fire owing to enemy action and the ammunition dump began to explode. He was ordered to disperse. Hearing the cries of the wounded, he dashed back amongst the exploding ammunition and carried wounded to a waiting truck. With two others, he wheeled an Officer, whose leg was shot off, and alone, lifted two others to safety. He reported back to Coy. Office at midnight and hearing that some of his friends were missing again dashed back and tried to locate them until daylight. I understand two officers, whom he carried to safety and whose identity cannot be traced, were to make a strong recommendation for his gallantry.’

John Miley was born in Hulme, Manchester on 12 March 1920. Enlisting into the Territorial Army in July 1941 - he was given the medical category IIA - having lost his left eye in 1925. With the Pioneer Corps he served in North Africa, 11 November 1942-11 December 1945. Whilst serving with the 209th Company he showed great gallantry at a fire at Bone on 4/5 December 1942, rescuing several of the injured. For his services he was awarded the B.E.M. On 1 January 1943 he was wounded in the right hand but was able to return to duty in April.

See lot xxxx for the B.E.M. to Murphy for the same action. With copied recommendation and service notes.