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

A good Second World War battle of Gazala M.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Corporal W. Charlton, Durham Light Infantry

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4453215 L. Cpl. W. Charlton, Durh. L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, the first with officially corrected unit, good very fine or better (6) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 24 September 1942. The original recommendation states:

‘At Gazala, during the night of 14-15 June 1942, when the 151 Infantry Brigade broke through the enemy lines, one of the columns of the 8th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, ran into an enemy minefield. A mine exploded and blew up a Quad, but it did not damage the Gun or Ammunition Limber. A truck was called for and without hesitation Lance-Corporal Charlton drove his vehicle forward into the minefield and hitched it up to the Gun and Limber. He then towed them out of the minefield to safety. His personal courage in the face of great danger was an example to all.’

William Charlton was a native of Elchester, Co. Durham.