Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War ‘North West Europe’ 1944 ‘Immediate’ M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Corporal G. G. Davies, South Wales Borderers, attached Monmouthshire Regiment, who was originally recommended for a D.C.M. for ordering and personally leading a bayonet charge by his platoon on a party of 15 Germans dug-in at Hertogenbosch, 23 October 1944, killing 14 of the enemy- the majority with the bayonet- and taking the only survivor prisoner

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3913670 L. Cpl. G. G. Davies. S. Wales Bord.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, light pitting to first, minor edge bruising, good very fine (5) £1600-2000

M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’

The Recommendation, originally for an Immediate D.C.M., dated 1 November 1944, states: ‘On 23rd October 1944 near Hertogenbosch, Lance Corporal Davies’ Company was ordered to attack the village of Bruggen. Soon after crossing the start line, the leading platoon came under heavy machine gun and rifle fire from the German positions. The platoon commander became a casualty and Lance Corporal Davies immediately assumed command of the platoon. Without hesitation, he ordered and personally led a bayonet charge by his platoon on a party of 15 Germans dug-in on a slight reverse slope, who could not quickly be dealt with in any other way. In spite of heavy enemy fire, the charge was completely successful. All the Germans except one were killed- the majority with the bayonet- and the only survivor taken prisoner. Lance Corporal Davies continued to command the platoon with great dash until the platoon commander had recovered sufficiently to resume command, when he (Davies) took over his section again. He led it with outstanding skill and bravery until the final objective was reached. Lance Corporal Davies’ conduct throughout the action contributed materially to the success of his Company and the whole operation, and he set a very fine example to all around him.’

Gwyn George Davies was born in Cwmparc, Rhondda, on 12 January 1912, and attested for service with the Territorial Army on 17 July 1940, joining the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. Posted to the 2nd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, on 29 November 1940, he landed with them in Normandy on 25 June 1944, as part of 160th South Wales Brigade, 53rd Welsh Division. Awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry near Hertogenbosch on 23 October 1944, he was accidentally wounded in action on 2 December 1944, and was posted home on 5 January 1945, being discharged on 22 May 1945. He was presented with his Military Medal at Buckingham Palace on 14 November 1945.

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