Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1942 ‘North Africa’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Private D. Goodchild, Worcestershire Regiment, for his gallantry in evacuating the wounded under heavy fire at Acroma on 14 June 1942

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5251607 Pte. D. Goodchild. Worc. R.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (5251607 Pte. D. Goodchild. Worc. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for display purposes, the MM still on original mounting pin, extremely fine (7) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 24 September 1942:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Private Goodchild was the Commanding Officer’s runner on 14 June 1942 at Acroma when the 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment was heavily attacked throughout the day. During the evacuation Private Goodchild was of great assistance in evacuating wounded in the Commanding Officer’s car and carrier across the minefield whilst under heavy fire, showing great coolness and daring especially in view of the fact that no gap had been cleared and vehicles had finally to be either shot or blown up as eventually occurred.
After this Private Goodchild accompanied the Commanding Officer as the latter supervised the last companies to leave, being most instrumental in setting fire to vehicles which had not been destroyed. He then stayed behind in a trench with the Commanding Officer watching the occupation of our position by the enemy until able to withdraw by night.
This young soldier has at all times set an example of cheerfulness under fire and shown a very fine quality of courage.’

Douglas Goodchild attested for the Worcestershire Regiment at Birmingham on 25 August 1938, ands served with them in pre-War Palestine and during the Second World War in North Africa and Italy, being awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry in the action of 14 June 1942, prior to the battle of Tobruk.

Sold with the recipient’s Certificate of Service Red Book; named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the M.M.; Worcestershire Regiment cap badge and cloth unit insignia; and various copied research.