Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

‘Three wireless networks had to be operated to secure the volume of fire for which Major Morris was continually calling. For 15 hours they were kept going by Bombardier P. Bennett, his driver-operator. Splinters hit his vehicle; one of his batteries was destroyed. With scanty protection he was in far greater danger from snipers and bazookas than even the tank crews, who watched him admiringly as he passed urgent but cheerful messages; between whiles fending off over-persistent snipers with his Tommy gun.’

Regimental Fire! refers to Bennett’s M.M.-winning exploits at San Savino in September 1944.



A fine Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of five awarded to Bombardier P. Bennett, 11th (H.A.C.) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery - who was originally recommended for an immediate D.C.M.

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (974025 Bmbr. P. Bennett, R.A.), in its named card box of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (5) £1000-1500

M.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945. The original recommendation - for an immediate D.C.M. - states:

‘On 6 September 1944, ‘E’ Battery, H.A.C., were in support of the 9th Lancers who were ordered at first light to attack San Savino. Owing to mechanical breakdown the Battery Commander’s tank was not available so he went forward in a jeep, followed later by a White Scout Car.

The operation became very involved and both O.P. tanks of the Battery became casualties owing to heavy enemy shell fire. It was then necessary for the Battery Command to maintain communication on three nets.

Bombardier Bennett was the Driver Operator of the jeep and from 0700 hours until 2200 hours maintained communications even under very heavy shell fire through being in an exposed position with the tanks. At no time did he hesitate to send down the vital fire orders not only to his own regiment but the whole of the Divisional Artillery and AGRA Regiments, even when the jeep was hit by shell splinters and one of the wireless batteries destroyed.

Through his skill, devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety he made it possible for heavy fire support. This fire was so heavy and persistent that although the enemy made three determined attacks they were pinned down and a vital sector of the front was saved.

It was not possible for the tanks to withdraw from the exposed forward position until about 2300 hours, when they were exposed to sniping and to the bazooka. Armed with a Tommy Gun, Bombardier Bennett defended his jeep and finally withdrew only when the tanks came in.

The splendid example of cheerfulness, devotion to duty on a lone task, and complete disregard for his own personal safety, was an inspiration to all present, including the tank crews.’

An accompanying local newspaper cutting states:

‘Bombardier Percy Bennett, a former Hastings footballer, whose home is at 116, Filsham Road, St. Leonards, has been awarded the Military Medal while serving in the Eighth Army in Italy. He took part in the desert campaign from El Alamein to Tunisia, and later was in the Sicily landing. He played football for his unit in the Western Desert, partnering F. Beedon, the Hastings player, at back, both thus occupying their old positions. He was educated at Tower Road School and later at King’s College, and played football for Hollington United and Hastings Reserves. He worked for six years in a wholesale grocery business, and later served in the Hastings officers of the Maidstone and District Motor Services Ltd. Bombardier Bennett, who is 28 years of age, is married and his wife is working in Surrey. His brother, Lieutenant A. C. Bennett, aged 30, is also serving.’