Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A particularly fine Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant J. Avery, The Buffs, a medical orderly who, at the height of such actions as El Alamein, saved life on a daily basis - on one occasion he departed the scene of battle at Gazala in an ambulance as the Germans overran the position

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6285716 Sjt. J. Avery, The Buffs); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (6285716 Pte. J. Avery, The Buffs); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, somewhat polished, otherwise generally very fine (6) £1000-1500

M.M. London Gazette 25 November 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘Throughout a period of more than two years Sergeant Avery, first as Medical Orderly and later as Medical Sergeant, has consistently shown courage under fire with complete disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant conduct, cool example, and initiative, far beyond the normal calling of duty, have directly saved the lives of many men.

In June 1941 he first behaved with conspicuous bravery at the Regimental Air Post when the 1st Battalion, The Buffs, attacked and captured Fort Capuzzo, and as Medical Corporal on 13-15 December 1941 at Point 204 near Gazala he again distinguished himself. It was here that the only ambulance with the Battalion was driven by an Indian soldier. Very heavy casualties were sustained, and on at least three occasions Corporal Avery collected wounded under fire and personally guided the ambulance through direct fire to the Advanced Dressing Station. A man of less initiative would have failed to get the ambulance back over such exposed and difficult ground to evacuate further wounded. On 15 December 1941, the Battalion was finally overrun by German tanks. Among the last to leave was Avery with his ambulance loaded with wounded which he himself saved, and it is probable, had not most of the officers of the Battalion then been killed or captured, that his outstanding behaviour would have been recognised.

On 23 October 1942, the Regimental Air Post was situated through the minefield at Myrteria Ridge, and apart from many casualties of The Buffs there were men of 24 and 25 N.Z. Battalions lying wounded after their night attack, amongst the mines and exposed to direct enemy fire. Sergeant Avery at personal risk collected many into an ambulance which then became the target for heavy shelling. Whereupon he lifted four stretcher cases into some nearby trenches; the next shell hit the ambulance, and it is to this N.C.O. that they probably owe their lives. Thoughout the Alamein battle, at Agheila, and between 16-23 January 1943 on the way to Tripoli, it is no exaggeration to say that he daily saved lives and spread calmness to those who were with him.

On 22-23 March 1943, near Point 201, during the left hook to El Hamma, the R.A.P. was subjected to very heavy shelling at a time when two stretcher bearers had been evacuated. Sergeant Avery displayed the same tireless courage and the next day after the advance of two miles the shelling was if anything worse. Here, to save time and therefore life, he volunteered on several occasions to go out under direct fire in a jeep, which meant driving back very slowly because of the difficulty of balancing a stretcher upon it. At Oudref on 4 April 1943, during severe dive bombing his conduct was of the same high order.

This is a long record of outstanding courage under fire, and the saving of life. Sergeant Avery is strongly recommended for an award.’