Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War ‘Dunkirk 1940’ M.M. group of three awarded to Driver A. W. Moore, 98 (Surrey and Sussex Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, for gallantry in the defence of Hazebrouck on 27 May

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (932312 Gnr. A. W. Moore. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal, extremely fine (3) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 27 August 1940: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in action in connection with recent operations.’ The recommendation states:

‘Was one of the detachment on “A” 4 gun in the defence of Hazebrouck on May 27 which had been driven back by enemy infantry. Driver Moore worked his way back to the gun in spite of the enemy being within point blank range and succeeded in rendering the gun useless to the enemy by removing the striker.’

Arthur William Moore was a native of Keithley, Yorkshire, and had been employed as an iron moulder at the Britannia foundry at Keithley. He joined the 98th (Surrey and Sussex Yeomanry) Field Regiment R.A. in July 1939, aged 21, and was sent to France on Christmas Day. In the defence of Hazebroucke on 27-29 May 1940, heavy and continuous attacks by German tanks and infantry made their defensive positions untenable. Orders were given to immobilise their guns and to make their way to Dunkirk. Moore was invested with his M.M. at Buckingham Palace on 18 March 1941. He was subsequently released from the Army to industry in 1941.

Sold with three original news cuttings and investiture instructions, together with copied extracts from 98 Field Regiment War Diary for May 1940.