Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding Second World War Italy operations M.M. awarded to Lance-Sergeant W. R. Jones, 46th Royal Tank Regiment, who was decorated for gallantry during the breakout from Anzio - ‘wherever possible he threw grenades from his turret into the enemy trenches ... despite the fact this entailed driving over trenches commanded by resolute enemy parachutists who attacked his tanks with grenades and machine-gun fire at a range sometimes less than five yards’

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7897205 L. Sjt. W. R. Jones, R. Tank R.), good very fine £1200-1500

M.M. London Gazette 26 October 1944. The recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘Lance-Sergeant Jones was commanding a tank in ‘A’ Squadron in support of 2nd Battalion, the Foresters and 1st Battalion, K.S.L.I. Half-way to the objective his troop came under extremely heavy enemy shell fire which wounded his Troop Commander and prevented the advance of the infantry.

Lance-Sergeant Jones immediately took over command of the remainder of his troop and took the tanks forward to the objective, despite the fact that this entailed driving over enemy trenches commanded by resolute enemy parachutists, and who attacked his tanks with grenades and machine-gun fire at a range sometimes less than five yards.

Wherever possible Sergeant Jones himself threw grenades from his turret into the enemy trenches and although control of his troop required the constant exposure of his head and shoulders to observe the enemy dispositions and place his tanks accordingly, his determination to overrun the enemy positions overcame all difficulties.

Under his direction his troop destroyed many enemy machine-gun nests and so effectively silenced the considerable enemy opposition that our infantry were enabled to advance again.

Lance-Sergeant Jones was also quick to notice the movement of enemy motor transport behind the enemy lines and immediately engaged them with his gun as well as giving quick and accurate observation to the Divisional Artillery, so that several enemy vehicles were destroyed.

Throughout the battle, Lance-Sergeant Jones showed great initiative and complete disregard for his own safety. His quick grasp of a difficult situation and his vigorous resourcefulness were a great inspiration to all ranks of his squadron.’

William Richard Jones, a native of Liverpool, was serving in the 46th Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment (R.A.C.) at the time of the above related deeds, a component of 1 (British) Division, VI (U.S.) Corps; sold with original Certificate of Transfer to the Army Reserve, dated 12 November 1945.