Auction Catalogue
Create new listA good Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of five awarded to Gunner S. C. January, Royal Artillery
Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1146356 Gnr. S. C. January, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (5) £800-1000
M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945. The original recommendation states:
‘Gunner January is the Medical Orderly of the 14/16 Battery, Royal Artillery. He has given splendid service and shown outstanding devotion to duty throughout the period. In January 1945, the Battery was in action near Faenza in a heavily mined area. Casualties occurred to personnel of his Battery, and of other units, and also civilians. On every occasion, despite the danger of unexploded mines, and with complete disregard to his own safety, Gunner January immediately went to the injured men and rendered first aid. His gallant behaviour and his medical skill were directly responsible for saving the lives of the wounded. He has shown equal gallantry and devotion to duty in previous periods. Whenever casualties have occurred in his Battery he has always gone immediately to the scene to render first aid, often under heavy shell fire. His calmness under fire and his skill in serving the wounded has gained him the complete confidence of all ranks of his Battery, and has materially helped to maintain their morale.’
Stanley Charles January was born in Yeovil, Somerset in March 1909 and enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Larkhill in April 1942. During his time in Italy his Battery formed part of 4 Medium Regiment, R.A., a component of 1 Army Group R.A. In a letter home in late 1944, a fellow “Yeovilian” and Battery member, Lieutenant S.C. Harding, wrote: ‘ ... S. J. is doing a grand job here as our Medical Orderly and his daily tour around even the remotest gun site is now an institution ... If anyone scratches a leg, or drops a shell on a foot, at once goes up the cry “Send for old Jan”. He is now aged about 30 or 32, is quiet, but interested in his little job - and very conscientious above all - everyone loves and trusts him and his advice. Many don’t like going to the Doctor - for fear of being sent away from their pals into hospital. But if January takes their temperature and in his quiet voice says “Bedder zee the M.O. Bert” - they go without a murmur ... Even on those more tragic occasions it is always January there. After one such a while ago, out I went, but S.J. was there first, holding the lad’s hand, stroking his head, and gradually reducing both tears and troubles.’
Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including Buckingham Palace forwarding letter for the recipient’s M.M., and a related War Office communication, dated 26 September 1946; his Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; Soldier’s Release Book; one or two portrait photographs in uniform; wartime newspaper cuttings; the recipient’s handwritten notes recording his journey to, and early service in, North Africa; and two souvenir booklets - Views of Venice.
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