Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Second War ‘Italy’ M.M. group of six awarded to Private P. Berry, Wiltshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5572271 Pte., Wilts. R.); 1939-45 Star, Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; together with named Buckingham Palace transmission slip, and named card box of issue for M.M.; card box of issue for campaign medals; two identity discs; and an original photograph of recipient in uniform, nearly extremely fine (6) £450-550

M.M. London Gazette 29 June 1944. The recommendation states: ‘This soldier is a stretcher bearer attached to the coy. holding Pt. 201 feature. During the three enemy attacks against this feature on 22 January 1944, this soldier with utter disregard for his own safety went out several times under heavy shell, mortar and small arms fire to attend to wounded and carry them to a safe place.

When the enemy temporarily gained possession of the feature this soldier remained behind with the wounded, and when he had done his best for them, he worked his way through the enemy and rejoined his coy. Later when the feature was retaken and subjected to enemy shell and mortar fire, he worked in the open unceasingly until all the wounded had been evacuated.

This soldiers courage, devotion to duty and presence of mind undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and had a great moral effect upon the whole coy.’

A total of 57 M.M’s. and one bar were awarded to the Wiltshire Regiment during the Second World War, 13 of which were for the Italian theatre.