Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of seven awarded to Sergeant A. W. Stainforth, 42nd Royal Tank Regiment, who was decorated for his gallantry in actions at “Knightsbridge” and El Alamein in 1942

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (421143 Sjt. A. W. Stainforth, R. Tank R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (421143 Sjt. A. Stainforth, M.M., R. Tks.), good very fine and better (7) £1000-1200

M.M. London Gazette 18 February 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘This N.C.O. is a Mechanist Sergeant of his squadron and responsible for the repair of all tank casualties. At the end of May 1943 his squadron was operating in the 50th Division’s area around Knightsbridge. On the 28 May the Squadron was in action against an enemy armoured column. Notwithstanding heavy small arms and shell fire, Sergeant Stainforth took his lorry forward with our attacking tanks in order to carry out necessary repairs. During the following two days the squadron was continually in action in the 150th Brigade “Box”. There also he came forward, under heavy fire, repairing tanks which had broken down, recovering those that were damaged and evacuating the wounded.

On the 21 June he was attached to a force of tanks which had the task of covering the withdrawal of the 5th Indian Division from the frontier. Although the tanks were acting as rearguards, Sergeant Stainforth remained with them until the last. On arrival at Alamein, the tanks were again in action, and again Sergeant Stainforth was forward with them. Tanks were knocked out, but in spite of intense fire, he repaired those that could be repaired and towed the remainder. Throughout he has been an inspiration to his staff of fitters. He has shown complete disregard of his own personal safety in the execution of his duty, and a determination to keep his tanks fit to fight at all costs.’