Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1944 ‘immediate’ Italian operations M.M. group of seven awarded to Bombardier J. V. Mackay, 77th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, who had already been M.I.D. for his services in North Africa, and was severely wounded in action near Piedmonte, 20 May 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (913208 Bmbr. J. V. Mackay. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (913208. Bdr. J. V. Mackay. R.A.) generally very fine (7) £800-£1,200

M.M. London Gazette 26 October 1944:

‘On 20 May 1944 at 0930 hrs Bdr Mackay acted as driver operator and assistant to his troop commander who had been ordered forward in a jeep to Piedmonte S Germano to obtain vital information. He reached a point within 500 yards of Piedmonte and, although in an exposed position on the slope leading up to the town, he continued to man the wireless set. Later he and his troop commander were subjected to heavy shelling and machine gun fire, but Bdr Mackay though seriously wounded continued to keep his wireless set in operation and assist his troop commander to bring down effective artillery fire on the enemy shooting at them.

By his coolness and devotion to duty under the most difficult and dangerous conditions Bdr Mackay at great personal risk was of great assistance to his troop commander. In consequence most valuable information was received and the enemy defences were located and shelled.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 27 January 1944:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.’

John Victor Mackay was a native of Glasgow. He served during the Second War with the 77th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.