Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine M.M. group of six awarded to Sapper H. J. McDonald, Royal Engineers, who was captured during the Defence of Tobruk and, after escaping, fought with Partisans for eight months behind enemy lines

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2075411 Spr. H. McDonald, R.E.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, court mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £400-450

M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945. The following details were taken from the official recommendation: ‘Sapper Henry Joseph McDonald, 106 Army Troop Company, Royal Engineers, Electrical and Mechanical Section. During the defence of TOBRUK, McDonald was taken prisoner on 21 Jun 42, and eventually was sent to a working camp near PADUA (120).

Although he left when the sentries deserted on 10 Sep 43, he was recaptured and sent back to the main camp. Entrained for GERMANY on 17 Oct 43, he and another occupant of the truck succeeded in making a small hole and thus were able to open the door. Fifteen P/W escaped, none of whom was hit by the guards’ fire.

About six weeks later they proceeded southwards, reaching PROPEZZANO on 30 Dec 43. With an officer and an “A” Force agent they distributed supplies dropped by parachute. In addition they attacked the Carabinieri barracks at VENAROTTA and issued all the government grain. On 20 Jun 44 McDonald reported to Allied forces at ASCOLI.’