Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1945 ‘immediate’ North West Europe M.M. group of five awarded to Sniper, Fusilier G. Weir, 4/5th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, for his gallantry during the attack and capture of Alpen, Germany, 8 March 1945

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3130457 Fsr. G. Weir. R. S. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, light contact marks, very fine (5) £1,200-£1,600

M.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945:

‘At Alpen (1513) on 8 Mar 45 Fus. Weir was a Sniper attached to ‘C’ Coy, 4/5 Royal Scots Fusiliers. This Company had the task of clearing the town when the other three companies had got into positions round the outside. Throughout the whole operation which lasted nearly 9 hours this company was subjected to heavy and accurate artillery, mortar and machine gun fire. At one stage of the battle it was vitally important to get an order to a forward platoon from Company HQ. Fusilier Weir immediately volunteered to take the message in spite of the fact that he knew he have to cross absolutely open ground in full view and within very close range of the enemy.

Not only did Fus. Weir take this message, but five others, and the last time on his way back he stopped while under fire and carried a wounded Fusilier on his back and brought him to safety. The very gallant conduct of this Fusilier not only very materially assisted towards the success of the operation but also very probably save the life of a comrade.’

George Weir was a native of Glasgow. He served during the Second War with the 4/5th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers as part of the 156th Infantry Brigade, 52nd (Lowland) Division, and distinguished himself during the capture of Alpen, Wesel, Germany, 8 March 1945.