Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘North Africa’ M.M. group of six awarded to Corporal J. Anderson, Royal Tank Regiment, who was subsequently wounded in North West Europe

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2693929 Cpl. J. Anderson, R. Tank R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (6) £1,800-£2,200

David Oldham Collection, Auckland 2016 (when sold without the 8th Army clasp; the Italy Star; and the France and Germany Star).

M.M., London Gazette 5 November 1942.

The original Recommendation, for an Immediate award, dated 6 September 1942, states: ‘On 3 September 1942, in the area of Deir el Agram ridge, Corporal Anderson commanded a light tank which formed part of a fighting patrol directed against enemy Motor Transport. The patrol was surprised by four concealed anti-tank guns from about 300 yards range. Corporal Anderson’s tank was nearest the guns and received a direct hit, but remained in action. No cover was available and Corporal Anderson directed his tank straight at the guns and succeeded in killing the crews of two of them before his tank received another hit and burst into flames. He managed to evacuate the crew from the tank although two of them were wounded and brought them to safety using his burning tank as a screen.’

The original Recommendation is counter-signed by three of the outstanding commanders of the Second World War, Horrocks, Montgomery, and Alexander.

Jack Anderson, a native of Selkirk, joined the Scots Guards in May 1931 under the alias George Whyte. He deserted in 1936, and re-enlisted in the Royal Tank Regiment in 1937 as Private 7887636 Jack Anderson. He was soon caught out, punished, and reverted to his original Scots Guards number, but remained with the Royal Tank Regiment under his correct name. He served with the 1st Regiment during the Second World War in North Africa, Italy, and North West Europe, and in addition to being awarded the M.M. was twice wounded, at home in 1941, and in Normandy in 1944 (copied press reports refer).

Sold with copied research.