Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of seven awarded to Gunner S. Westwood, 11th (H.A.C.) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, for his gallantry on the first day of the battle of El Alamein

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (944498 Gnr. S. Westwood, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, copy clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918062, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (9444098 Gnr. S. Westwood, M.M., R.A.), minor official correction to ‘M.M.’ on the last, generally very fine or better (7) £1000-1500

M.M. London Gazette 28 January 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘On 25 October 1942, the Battery was in action under heavy enemy shelling east of Point 32.

Late in the afternoon, five shells burst between No. 1 and No. 2 guns. Gunner Westwood’s No. 1 was killed and seven men were wounded. Despite the heavy shell fire, Gunner Westwood dashed to his comrades and unaided carried two wounded men 200 yards to safety, with complete disregard for his own safety. He then returned to the position and applied field dressings to two other wounded men. He himself had been rendered partially deaf, but he joined a scratch detachment which, rallied by his example, fought the gun with vigour and determination throughout the action.’