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

A fine Second World War Italy operations M.M. awarded to Private J. H. Warwick, Leicestershire Regiment, who survived three days and nights in an isolated position behind enemy lines at Salerno under heavy fire

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14274312 Pte. J. H. Warwick, Leic. R.) nearly extremely fine £1200-1500

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 13 January 1944. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘Private Warwick was a batman in a platoon which was in an isolated locality 3000 yards behind the enemy’s lines in the Salerno area for three days and nights. His officer was killed and he took over the duties of runner, making frequent valuable and difficult journeys to Company H.Q. He also relieved his Platoon Sergeant of most of his duties, enabling him to command the Platoon more effectively and in particular maintained the mortar firing at all possible targets all the time. His initiative and sense of responsibility were a fine example to all ranks and his complete disregard for personal safety and unflagging enthusiasm, often under severe fire, enabled his platoon to accomplish far more damage to the enemy than would otherwise have been possible. This occurred on 10-14 September 1943.’

John Henry Warwick was serving in the 2/5th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment at the time of the above related deeds.