Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Lance-Sergeant R. H. Foster, Royal Sussex Regiment, who was Mentioned in Despatches for gallant deeds with the British Expeditionary Force in 1940, the recommendation originally for a gallantry medal, and was later wounded in the Western Desert

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £140-£180

Dix Noonan Webb, July 2010.

M.I.D. London Gazette 20 December 1940.
The recommendation, originally for either a D.C.M. or a M.M., states: ‘Both in the battles of Anseghem and Caestre, Private Richard Henry Foster acted as an orderly between Battalion Headquarters and his own Company Headquarters. At all times he carried messages and orders regardless of his own safety, and with instant readiness. His example was an inspiration to those around him throughout these actions.’

Richard Henry Foster was born in December 1918, and witnessed active service in the 4th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment in France in 1940, his unit comprising part of 133rd Infantry Brigade in the 44th (Home Counties) Division which landed in France on 9 April 1940 as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The 133rd Brigade saw fighting in the St Omer-La Bassée area during the Battle of France (23–29 May 1940) and retreated to Dunkirk, where they were evacuated from on 30 May 1940. It was during these operations in which he was Mention in Despatches. The recommendation was originally a Military Medal or a Distinguished Conduct Medal award. Thereafter back in England the Battalion was part of the 133rd Brigade which was positioned in Southeast England, to defend the area, stretching from the Isle of Thanet to Dover and on to Folkestone which was deemed to be ‘the No 1 German invasion area’.

In May 1942 Foster witnessed further action with the 5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, in the Western Desert, including the Alam Halfa and El Alamein operations, on this occasion serving alongside elements of the 8th and 10th Armoured Divisions. It was here in the Western Desert that he was wounded on the 2 November 1942.

Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including the recipient’s M.I.D. certificate, dated 20 December 1940, and forwarding letters regarding same; his Soldier’s Release Book; a Grace Line “Crossing the Equator” certificate, dated June 1942; and wartime photographs (approximately 15), including several images from North Africa, 1942; and the recipient’s cap badge