Auction Catalogue
Create new listA British Expeditionary Force 1940 operations M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal R. G. Fairweather, 15th/19th Hussars
Military Medal, G.VI.R. (555217 Cpl. R. G. Fairweather, 15/19 H.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, contact marks, very fine and better (3) £1200-1500
M.M. London Gazette 14 February 1946:
‘In recognition of gallantry and distinguished services in the Field.’
Reuben George Fairweather, a native of Tonbridge, Kent was taken P.O.W. at Assche on 18 May 1940, his award not being gazetted until his repatriation from Stalag 357 at Oerbke, near Fallingbostel after the War’s end. The 15th/19th Hussars suffered severe casualties in France and Belgium in 1940, with seven officers and 27 other ranks killed, and six officers and 100 other ranks wounded, in addition to many more, like Fairweather, being taken prisoner. Many of these casualties were sustained by ‘A’ Squadron in the battle for Assche in Belgium on 18 May 1940 of which Major J. S. F. Murray’s A Short History of the 15th/19th The King’s Royal Hussars states:
‘The enemy had entered the town in strength with tanks and anti-tank guns. By 2 p.m. Major Cockayne-Frith with Squadron H.Q. and the 3rd, 4th and 5th Troops were surrounded in the town. The Squadron Leader ordered 2nd Troop, which was not involved in Assche, to “go home”, as it could do no good. In fact, the Troop made a gallant attempt to go to his rescue, but without success. On the outskirts of the town Squadron H.Q. came under heavy anti-tank fire, Major Cockayne-Frith and his crew being killed. Captain Mytton with the rest of the force tried to fight his way through the town and after 20 minutes succeeded in retaking nearly half of it. But by that time every Armoured Fighting Vehicle had been knocked out and the fighting developed into individual action by small bodies of survivors. Such a situation could not last long, and the whole force were either killed or taken prisoner, most of the latter being wounded.’
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