Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War North-West Europe ‘assault crossing of the Noord Canal’ Immediate M.M. awarded to Private A. M. Manning, 7th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, presented to him ‘in the field’ by Field Marshal Montgomery in December 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14499270 Pte. A. M. Manning. A. & S.H.) on its original investiture pin, extremely fine £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1943: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’

The original recommendation states: ‘On the 14th November 1944 “D” Coy carried out an assault crossing of the NOORD Canal opposite HULSEN and formed the initial bridgehead for the Brigade. During the attack the Coy ran into an extremely thick Schu mine field through which they had to advance and in which they incurred considerable casualties. Pte. Manning, one of the Company stretcher bearers, with admirable coolness and courage continued to evacuate wounded from the depths of this minefield, although no path had been cleared through the minefield and it was under enemy fire. Eventually he himself fell wounded by a Schu mine and lost a foot. As a result of his courage and devotion to duty this soldier was instrumental in saving the lives of others while exposing himself to a danger whose results he only too vividly witnessed in the wounds of the victims he rescued.’

The above recommendation was made out in the name of Private 14499270 ‘John’ Manning, but was correctly gazetted as Private 14499270 Archibald McLean Manning. The recommendation passed through Brigade, Division and Corps levels to be passed at Army Group level and approved by Montgomery on 11 December 1944. Shortly before the regiment moved from their comfortable billets at St Michels Gestel on 19 December, Field Marshal Montgomery held an investiture for the Division, and the battalion was called upon to produce a guard of honour. The regiment received one M.C. and four M.M’s at this investiture, including that to Private Manning (History of the 7th Argylls refers).