Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant A. E. Parkinson, 7th Battalion, Tank Corps, for crossing the Canal du Nord on 27 September 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (40382 Cpl., 7/Tank C.); British War and Victory Medals (40382 Sjt., Tank Corps) very fine (3) £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Tank Corps formed by the late Bill Green.

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M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919. The recommendation states ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On 27 September 1918, near Inchy-en-Artois. When first driver he had to cross the Canal du Nord to reach his second objective. The canal was considered impossible to cross with a Mk. IV tank by many competent judges, and it was only by his wonderful driving and judgement that this formidable obstacle was overcome.

He displayed remarkable initiative and resource throughout the whole action, which lasted six hours. Had it not been for this, the canal would not have been crossed which would have had a material effect upon the operations since the tank’s final objective was Bourlon Village, which it reached leading the infantry and crushing all opposition.’