Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Anzio Beachhead’ Immediate M.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant John Finnie, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3127966 Sjt. J. Finnie. R.S. Fus.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (3127966 Fsr. J. Finnie. R.S. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted on card for display, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (8) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 3 August 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The recommendation for the grant of an Immediate M.M. states:

‘Serjeant John Finnie, 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers, 17 Infantry Brigade, 5 Division, VI American Corps.
Between 30th March and 3rd April 1944 in the BUON RIPOSO Valley Sjt Finnie was commanding the Signal Platoon, two Signal Officers in succession having been badly wounded. Owing to casualties only three other signallers remained to carry on at Bn HQ. Throughout these days Sjt Finnie was absolutely untiring in his work; heedless of his personal safety he in turn manned wireless sets, attended the switchboard and led line parties under almost continuous enemy shelling. In particular on 3rd April during a critical stage in the battle when Bn HQ area was being severely shelled, Sjt Finnie at great personal risk led a line party and worked in the open under direct fire from the enemy. Despite the fact that he was on one occasion knocked over and partially stunned by blast, Sjt Finnie sustained his work under continuous fire and succeeded in restoring communications. By his devotion to duty under fire and his unflagging energy Sjt Finnie thus ensured continuous communications and handed over an intact and efficient signal system to the relieving Bn. His conduct had a direct bearing in the holding of an important Sector of the ANZIO beachhead and was in the highest tradition of The Regiment.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 24 August 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

John Finnie, according to an accompanying letter from the recipient himself, dated May 1967, ‘Joined the 1st Bn R.S.F. in Aug 1930. Served in Palestine, Egypt and India and demobilised in Nov 1937. Capped up as a Reservist in Aug 1939, and re-joined the R.S.F. but this time in the 2nd Bn. Was in action:- France and Belgium and Dunkirk. Madagascar 1942, India 1942-43. Syria, Iraq and Iran, Palestine, Egypt and N. Africa until Sicily. Sicily and Italy, from Italy to France, Belgium and Germany. Was in Lubeck when the War in Europe ended. Was demobbed in Nov 1946 with the rank of C.Q.M.S. “Mentioned in Despatches”, “Military Medal” and wounded in Italy.’

Sold with named Buckingham Palace enclosure for M.M., and above quoted letter, together with cap badge and copied research including original recommendation and extracts from the regimental history mentioning Finnie.