Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part II)

A fine Second War fall of France D.C.M., ‘Malaya’ M.I.D. group of eight awarded to Major T. G. Williams, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, later 6/7th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (3129046 Sjt., R. S. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R., with M.I.D. oak leaf (3129046 W.O. Cl. 2, D.C.M., Cameronians) some minor contact wear and edge bruising, therefore nearly very fine or better (8) £2500-3000

D.C.M. London Gazette 27 August 1940. The recommendation states: ‘No. 3129046 Sergeant T. Williams, is recommended for the D.C.M., in recognition for his services during May 27th and 28th on the Ypres-Comines Canal. This Sergeant was under my personal observation on many occasions under heavy enemy fire and was always noted to keep cool and use his brains. At about 9 a.m. on the morning of May 28th I took this N.C.O. in a carrier from Brigade H.Q. to try and establish contact with my Battalion H.Q., we were unable to get nearer than the St Eloi X Roads on account of an enemy anti-tank weapon. At this point we found troops in the ditch unable to move as small arms fire was coming from three sides. I ordered Sergeant Williams to drive the carrier to a covered position and dismount the Bren gun and engage the enemy on one front. He carried out my orders with perfect coolness and courage. On engaging the enemy with Bren gun fire the enemy fire from the rear ceased and the troops in the ditch managed to retire. It is for this action in conjunction with continuous reports of coolness and courage that I recommend this N.C.O. for the D.C.M.’

The Battalion War Diary for 28 May 1940 states the following: ‘09:00 hours: The Battalion L.O. and Sergeant Williams of the Carrier Platoon tried to contact Battalion H.Q. in a carrier but were unable to get within two miles of it as the enemy had installed a form of anti-tank weapon in a house at St Eloi cross roads. The enemy infantry had passed right through the battalion area. About 160 men were found in the ditch near the St Eloi cross roads, unable to proceed, owing to the eavy enemy fire from three sides. The carrier was taken into action and a couple of magazines fired at the most visible of the enemy. For some unknown reason enemy fire ceased and the 160 men in the ditch were enabled to make a dash out of their ditch into the cover of some woods from where they were able to withdraw.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 27 April 1951 (Malaya).

Together with original Regular Army Certificate of Service; three commission documents (Warrant Officer, 25 September 1944 and 1 April 1952; Second Lieutenant, 17 February 1968); Cameronians regimental journal, including a lengthy obituary and picture of recipient; newspaper cutting announcing Williams’ sudden death; and a colour photograph of recipient in uniform.

A total of 15 D.C.M’s. were awarded to the Royal Scots Fusiliers during the Second World War, Sergeant Williams being amongst the first gazetted.