Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of seven awarded to Private A. Hall, 2/4th Hampshire Regiment, who, though himself wounded by shrapnel in the legs, arms and feet, continued to evacuate casualties amidst what was described as some of the heaviest shelling ever encountered by his battalion

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5501699 Pte. A. Hall, Hamps. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (5501699 Pte. A. Hall, M.M., R. Hamps.), good very fine and better (7)

M.M. London Gazette 8 March 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘During the early morning of 17 September 1944, ‘B’ Company were moving up to the reverse slope of the Bagli feature to take part in an attack at first light. The shelling at this time was some of the heaviest ever experienced by the Battalion in its many actions and the Company suffered heavy casualties. Private Hall, who was driving a jeep ambulance, immediately arrived on the scene and commenced to evacuate the casualties. He himself was wounded by shrapnel in the legs, arms and feet and his vehicle had two tyres punctured. Ignoring his wounds he evacuated the casualties to the R.A.P., repaired the punctures and went forward to collect further casualties. Not until his task was completed would he submit to medical attention. By his prompt and courageous action and disregard for his own wounds he undoubtedly saved his comrades much suffering.’

Albert Hall was born in Middlesborough in September 1916 and enlisted in the Hampshire Regiment at Aldershot in May 1939. A qualified driver and medical orderly, he was awarded the M.M. for the above cited deeds in Italy in September 1944, while serving in the 2/4th Battalion.

Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including the recipient’s Buckingham Palace M.M. forwarding letter and related congratulatory message from Major-General A. D. Ward, D.S.O., the C.O. of 4th British Infantry Division; his Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; British Identity Certificate, dated 31 January 1944; a Military Pass, Aldershot, dated 3 November 1939; and three wartime photographs, including the recipient standing by his jeep ambulance.