Auction Catalogue

25 & 26 June 2014

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

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Lot

№ 1249

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26 June 2014

Hammer Price:
£3,800

A rare Second World War honorary M.M. group of eight awarded to Lance- Sergeant Michael Antoniszewski, Polish Army, who was decorated for gallantry in North Africa

Poland, Cross of Valour, with 2 Bars; Poland, Monte Cassino Cross 1944, the reverse officially numbered, ‘2/086’; Poland, Army Active Service Medal; Great Britain, Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6194 L. Sjt. M. Antoniszewski, Polish Army); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal 1939-45, together with an embroidered Polish cap badge, the M.M. with edge bruise, otherwise good very fine (9) £1800-2200

M.M. approved by H.M. the King 28 March 1942. The original recommendation states:

‘During an attack on Oarmuset-er-Regem on 16 December 1941, heading a signal patrol, Lance-Sergeant Antoniszewski, under heavy enemy fire, several times repaired personally the telephone line he was building up to the advanced O.P. All the time in the first line with the infantry, he kept his line working during the whole time the action took place, thus enabling inter-communication not only for the artillery but also for the infantry. Lance-Sergeant Antoniszewski in several other circumstances showed outstanding courage and self control.’

Michal Antoniszewski, who was born in September 1914, was serving in 2 Field Regiment, 3 Carpathian Infantry Division, 2 Polish Corps, at the time of the above cited deeds. He was subsequently advanced to Staff Sergeant in September 1943, and is confirmed as having received the above numbered Monte Cassino Cross (2/086), following which operations he was wounded in action on 28 April 1945. His Polish Cross of Valour was awarded in December 1941 (Daily Orders of the Carpathian Rifle Brigade No. 4/42, refer), to which he added a Bar in November 1944 (Daily Orders of 2 Field Artillery Regiment No. 4/45, refer), and a Second Bar in February 1945 (Personal Order No. 115/45, refers); sold with a file of research.