Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to coincide with the OMRS Convention

A fine Second World War ‘Desert Campaign’ M.C. group of six awarded to Captain R. D. Johnstone, 2nd Lothians and Border Horse, Royal Armoured Corps, later killed in action in Italy during a tank battle with the Hermann Goering Panzer Division

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1943, in its Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star, Defence & War Medals, these contained in their named card box of issue addressed to his widow, together with named condolence slip (Captain, M.C.), and the group of five awarded to his brother, Captain N. W. Johnstone, Royal Artillery, comprising 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence & War Medals, these in their named card box of issue, extremely fine (11) £1200-1500

M.C. London Gazette 23 September 1943: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa. Lieutenant Ronald David Johnstone, 1st (sic) Lothians and Border Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps (Sketty, Glam.).’

The recommendation states: ‘2nd Lothians & Border Horse, 26 Armoured Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, 9 Corps. On April 23rd 1943, during the tank battle on the hill North of Sebret El Kourzia, one tank of the leading squadron while crossing a ridge was hit by enemy anti-tank fire. The driver was so seriously wounded that he was unable to stop the tank which ran right into the open in full view of enemy tanks which fired deliberately at it, and at the injured crew as they evacuated it when it eventually caught fire.

Lieutenant Johnstone thereupon dismounted from his own tank and proceeded on foot under machine gun fire, which was expressly aimed at him, to the assistance of the wounded members of the crew. Not until they were safely under cover did he return to continue the battle from his own tank.

On the following day, in the area of the Mosque Ridge (Si. Djaber) this officer gained most valuable information in the persistent search for which his own tank was eventually put out of action by enemy anti-tank fire.

During both these days and on the 26th April, when in the action West of the Dj. Kournine, he destroyed an enemy tank by enterprising tactics. Lieutenant Johnstone has shown a splendid example of personal bravery and determined leadership. He has inspired his men with complete confidence in him, and manoeuvred his troop with outstanding skill.’

After the fall of Rome, captured by the Allies on 3 June 1944, the Germans fell back and made their first stand at Bolsena, North of Rome. To the East of Lake Bolsena a tank battle took place between the 6th Armoured Division and the Hermann Goering Panzer Division. It was during this battle that Captain R. D. Johnstone was killed in action on the 8th June 1943, and subsequently buried in Bolsena War Cemetery.

The following extract is taken from the War Diary of the 2nd Lothians and Border Horse for 8 June 1943: ‘Just after B [Squadron] reached their objective a shell landed in the middle of the Sqn HQ killing Capt Johnstone MC the Rear Link and seriously wounding the Sqn Ldr, Major Swallow. A and B killed a large number of Germans on the final objective, and overran the trenches. It was impossible to estimate numbers as they had been buried before the arrival of the regiment, next day. At dark the regiment was told that the inf were not taking over and in withdrawing to a rather less vulnerable harbour area found the crossings were severely damaged, and the regt could not cross. This was an extremely unpleasant position and no bulldozer for the crossing and no inf for protection were available. However, later that night the Gds Bde passed through to make a night attack. This withdrawal lost the advantage of 2000 yds which had been won by the regt.’ The casualties that day were Captain Johnstone and three men killed, and Major Swallow and eight men wounded.