Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Battle of Gazala’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lance Bombardier A. S. Wolfe, 3rd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, who, between 28 May 1942 and 13 June 1942, carried out his signalling duties in an exemplary manner while under direct machine-gun and Spandau fire and under observed enemy artillery fire

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (853654 L. Bmbr. A. S. Wolfe. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (6) £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 26 November 1942.

The original Recommendation states: ‘During the battle from May 28th to June 13th 1942 Bombardier Wolfe was “A” TP OP signaller. On all occasions, when under field artillery, anti-tank or machine-gun fire, he carried out his duties in an exemplary manner.
Especially on June 12th when working the OP wireless in an unarmoured 15-cwt truck. This truck was at times under direct machine-gun and spandau fire from enemy AFVs and tanks and under observed enemy artillery fire. He not only continued signalling unpeturbed but also changed the wheel of the vehicle, when it was punctured by bullets.’

Arthur Sidney Wolfe was born in 1918 at West Malling, Kent. He attested for the Royal Artillery in 1935 and served with them in the Western Desert Campaign during the Second World War. He was decorated for his gallantry while serving as an Observation Post Signaller with A Troop, 3rd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery during the Battle of Gazala between 28 May 1942 and 13 June 1942. Attached at that time to the 29th Indian Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, the 3rd Field Artillery was ordered to move the El Adem Box on the morning of 29 May 1942 from where they withstood a series of heavy engagements with the enemy until their ultimate evacuation on 17 June 1942.

On 10 June 1942, ‘A’ Troop had been detached from the rest of the 3rd Field Regiment and sent to a Box at B 650 where they lost communication with the Regimental HQ in the El Adem Box. The following relevant entries for the period are taken from War Diary of the 3rd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery:

30 May: El Adem. Capt. D. F. Oswald sent out in command of a column consisting of ‘A’ Troop, Anti Tank guns and Infantry. Enemy tanks shot up, patrol contacted and shelled. Tank battle observed by Mobile Observation Post approx. 4 miles from El Adem Box.

10 June: ‘A’ Troop 18 Bty sent to a box at B650 about 6 miles away. This box and the El Adem Box supposed to be mutually supporting but in fact they were too far apart and were out of communication.

11 June: In the evening a column of about 300 enemy MT was engaged by nearly every gun, Field, Anti Tank and Anti-aircraft in the box. 6 vehicles including a petrol lorry set on fire and in all about 20 vehicles immobilised.

12 June: Lieut B. A. Buckwell R.A. wounded and evacuated to Tobruk from B650.

16 June: 1500: Plans to evacuate by night through the enemy lines. Cancelled by Army Commander. Brigade is to hold the box to the last man and the last round. 21.30. Orders received to evacuate at 15 minutes notice. No preparations have been made and transport is fatally short.

A disorganised withdrawal to Sollum followed during which Corporal Wolfe was reported missing on 17 June 1942. He was later to be reunited with his unit. He was discharged on 5 April 1948 and died in Maidstone, Kent in 1983.

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