Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding Second World War Burma operations M.M. awarded to Fusilier M. Wilson, Royal Scots Fusiliers, who was decorated for his gallantry in the 1st Battalion in April 1945 - owing to the nature of the ground he used his leg as a base for the platoon mortar and, much bruised, ‘at the same time hurled derisive remarks at the enemy, thus drawing fire on to himself’

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3131622 Fsr. M. Wilson, R.S. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, extremely fine (5) £1200-1400

M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘On 29 April 1945, No. 9 Platoon of ‘A’ Company, contacted a strong enemy position dominating a chaung in the hills east of Yinmabin. Fusilier Wilson was No. 1 of his platoon’s 2-inch mortar. He, along with the remainder of his platoon, came under heavy and sustained rifle fire in the open chaung, which pinned them down in a place where casualties were inevitable sooner or later. Realising this, Fusilier Wilson immediately brought his mortar into action against the enemy positions, thus enabling the pinned sections and Platoon H.Q. to reach cover at the edge of the chaung without casualties.

Owing to the nature of the ground, Fusilier Wilson was forced to fire the mortar using his leg as a base, through which he sustained severe bruises. Nevertheless, he continued to fire, at the same time hurling derisive remarks at the enemy, thus drawing fire on to himself.

When his ammunition was exhausted he raced back across the open chaung to meet ammunition parties coming up, dashing back with a fresh load of bombs to continue firing. He remained in position firing until all his bombs were expended, by which time his platoon had established a secure position on the far bank of the chaung. Not until then did he return to the Platoon.

Due entirely to Fusilier Wilson’s personal initiative, great courage and complete disregard for his own safety, his platoon was able to establish itself without sustaining a casualty. His action set a fine example to the remainder of his platoon and deserves the highest praise.’

Matthew Wilson was a native of Stevenson, Ayrshire.