Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional Northern Ireland M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant R. G. Garmory, Grenadier Guards, for gallantry during an action in which all other members of his patrol were mortally wounded

Military Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (24140944 Sgt., Gren. Gds.); General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (24140944 L/Cpl., Gren. Gds.) extremely fine (2) £3500-4500

M.M. London Gazette 27 May 1979.

The recommendation states: ‘At 1145 hours on 21 December 1978 Sergeant Garmory was in command of an 8 man patrol operating up the Newry Road in Crossmaglen. He was the leading soldier in the first of two 4 man bricks, with the Light Machine Gun deployed to his rear and two riflemen across the street. When he was 50 metres from what appeared to be a Post Office wagon loaded to the roof with parcels, Sergeant Garmory noticed what seemed to be 3 unusual gaps/slits in the piles of parcels. He raised his Self Loading Rifle to his shoulder in order to use the Night Sight to gain better definition of the vehicle. At this moment rapid automatic fire was brought to bear on all members of the patrol from the vehicle. Sergeant Garmory immediately issued a contact report, and without any thought for his own life engaged the enemy. Meanwhile, behind him the other members of his patrol were all lying mortally wounded. Realising that his patrol was in desperate danger, Sergeant Garmory then ran back, still under fire, picked up the Light Machine Gun from the wounded Guardsman behind him and fired the complete magazine at the still stationary vehicle. During this exchange of fire the vehicle began to move away. Sergeant Garmory then ran across the road, picked up the Self Loading Rifle of another wounded Guardsman and fired a further 4 rounds at the retreating vehicle.

It is not clear at this point in time whether any terrorists were wounded or killed by Sergeant Garmory’s actions. Certainly the rear of the enemy vehicle (probably protected by sandbags) was hit a number of times and enemy fire was halted at one stage as if a man had been hit, but what is beyond a doubt is that in the face of intense and accurate enemy fire at close quarters, and with his patrol in desperate danger, Sergeant Garmory fought like a tiger. He showed a burning courage and a fighting spirit beyond praise; his actions were truly heroic. He has set an example as a fighting soldier of single minded purpose and high courage which is an inspiration to us all. For his courage, aggressive resolve and fighting spirit in the face of great danger, Sergeant Garmory deserves high recognition.’

Sold with copies of the original recommendation and his Certificate of Service, together with two original photographs of Garmory in uniform. This is one of only two E.II.R. Military Medals won by the Grenadier Guards, the other being an SAS award for Dhofar.