Orders, Decorations and Medals

A scarce ‘South East Asia’ M.M. group of four awarded to Gunner E. H. F. Stratford, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (14215551 Gnr. E. H. F. Stratford, R.A.); Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (Gnr., R.A.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine and scarce (4) £900-1200

M.M. London Gazette 28 November 1946. ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in South East Asia.’

No citation has survived for this award which was recommended by the Commander-in-Chief, Allied Land forces, South East Asia and Netherlands East Indies. However, it has been established that Stratford was serving with 178 Field Regiment R.A., and that he was recommended for the Military Medal when, engaged as Forward Observation Post signaller with a patrol of 3/5th Gurkha Rifles on the night of 29/30 May, 1946, he was wounded by a grenade when the patrol engaged 5 Kampangs. The unit War Diary records: ‘One O.P. signaller who was wounded by a grenade in this action has since been recommended for the M.M.’

A total of 38 Military Medals were awarded for South East Asia 1945-46, this award being unique to the Royal Artillery and one of 15 to British units.