Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Italian theatre’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Bombardier Benjamin Garnett, 11th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (918496 L. Bmbr. B. Garnett. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £700-£900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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M.M. London Gazette 19 April 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The recommendation states: ‘Gnr (U/L/Bdr) 918496 Benjamin Garnett, 11th Fd Regt RA. L/Bdr Garnett has acted as wireless signaller and OPA in this regiment from June 42 to July 44, when he was severely wounded. Throughout this period he has rendered exceptional service without thought of his own safety. At all times he has remained cool, able and cheerful under heavy fire and extreme stress. In July 1944 in the UMBERTIDE area when acting as OPA to an FOO, he and his officer were both wounded by a mortar bomb. Although bleeding profusely from multiple wounds to his head and body, L/Bdr Garnett refused the only stretcher insisting that his officer should be evacuated on it, walked back 2 miles over broken country, and before being evacuated reported on the situation to his Battery Commander.’