Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The mounted group of nine miniature dress medals attributed to Major W. Neill, Border Regiment, later Malayan Police

Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R.; Coronation 1953; Colonial Police Forces Meritorious Service Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue, mounted as worn, very fine (9) £140-£180

D.S.O. London Gazette 9 November 1944.

The original Recommendation states: ‘At 17;30 hours on 23 September 1944 at Arnhem after a heavy artillery and mortar concentration, the enemy carried out a strong counter-attack, supported by S.P. guns on the Battalion’s position, which succeeded in making considerable penetration into their positions.
Major Neill, who had been wounded in four places, but had refused to leave his post, immediately organised a counter-attack with the few men he could muster. Leading his small force with great determination and with complete disregard for his own safety, he drove the enemy out of the Battalion’s position and quickly rectified what might have been a disastrous situation.
Not satisfied with this he organised, and personally led, a patrol after dark into enemy lines destroying their Headquarters and causing such confusion that it prevented the enemy from making any further attempts to attack.
Throughout the nine days of Arnhem Major Neill’s devotion to duty and utter contempt for danger was an inspiration to all who served under him.’

William ‘Jock’ Neill was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Border Regiment on 9 August 1941, and served with them throughout the Second World War, being awarded the D.S.O. for his gallantry and leadership at Arnhem. He later served as a Superintendent with the Malayan Police Force, and eventually emigrated to Tasmania. He died in 1984.

Sold with the recipient’s full size riband bars.

Note: The recipient’s full size awards are held in the Regimental Museum, Carlisle Castle.