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

An impressive Second World War North Africa and North-West Europe operations immediate M.M. and Bar awarded to Lance-Sergeant N. French, Warwickshire Regiment, late Leicestershire Regiment: he was originally recommended for the D.C.M. on both occasions

Military Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (4265478 Sjt. N. French, Leic. R.) edge nicks, nearly extremely fine £3000-3500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Leicester Regiment and Yeomanry formed by the late Trevor Harris.

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M.M. London Gazette 22 April 1943. The original recommendation - which was for a D.C.M. - states:

‘Sergeant French was in command of a section of M.M.Gs at Thala on the night of 21-22 February 1943. Early in the engagement the company area, in which his guns were sited, was over-run by tanks and infantry. Although heavily engaged by mortar and small arms’ fire he controlled his guns to such good effect that he silenced two enemy M.M.Gs and inflicted heavy casualties on some German lorried infantry which he saw debussing by the light of a Verey light. One of his guns was then knocked out with a direct hit but his other gun continued firing. When enemy tanks had penetrated behind him he was ordered to withdraw. This he did bringing the only serviceable gun with him. Throughout this action French set a fine example to his men and his courage and devotion to duty were unquestionable.’

Bar to M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945. The original recommendation - which was for a D.C.M. - states:

‘Sergeant French was selected to accompany one officer on a most perilous and important patrol to the Reichswald. The patrol involved passage through the enemy lines and exploring and laying-up behind and within the area of enemy positions. Sergeant French left our lines with his companion at 2100 hours on 5 October 1944, and returned in the early hours of 7 October 1944, having completed his task in a most satisfactory manner. On two occasions the patrol had brushes with the enemy and got away. The journey was at best a nerve-racking one, but Sergeant French’s determination to complete the task, his courage and his enterprise were quite splendid.’

Nicholas French was serving in the 2/5th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment at the time of winning his M.M., and in the 2nd Battalion, Warwickshire Regiment, at the time of his second award for his daring exploits behind enemy lines in the Reichswald.