Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd

An ‘Immediate’ Second War ‘Italy theatre’ M.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant L. Ketley, Essex Regiment, for his gallantry in reconnoitring and effecting for his Battalion a successful crossing of the River Sangro on 23 November 1943

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6002173 Sjt. L. Ketley. Essex R.) ‘Acting’ part of rank and middle initial erased; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., Territorial, with Two Additional Award Bars (6002173 Sjt. L. Ketley 5-Essex R.) nearly extremely fine (8) £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd.

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M.M. London Gazette 23 March 1944: No. 6002173 Corporal (acting Sergeant) Lionel Guy [sic] Ketley, the Essex Regiment
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The original Recommendation for an Immediate award, named originally to Sergeant Louis [sic] Ketley, with the rank subsequently amended to Corporal (Acting Sergeant), states: ‘Sergeant Ketley was detailed to assist the Officer in charge of supply arrangements for the assault across the River Sangro on 23 November 1943. He was also N.C.O. in charge of guides in the forming up place. Due to the excellent arrangements made by this N.C.O., the battalion was quickly across the river in spite of the most adverse weather conditions. Almost immediately the rope across the river was carried away and heavy enemy fire was concentrated on the forming up place.
It is impossible to adequately describe the conditions of weather and enemy action under which Sergeant Ketley reconnoitred for and eventually found a subsidiary crossing. Without his initiative and complete disregard for his own safety the Battalion, although on its objective, would have been compelled to withdraw owing to lack of ammunition and supplies.
The success of the whole operation was in great measure due to the resource and tireless energy of this N.C.O.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 5 August 1943:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Persia-Iraq.’

Lionel Ketley was born in Chelmsford, Essex, in 1910, and attested there for the Essex Regiment. He served with the 5th Battalion during the Second World War, and for his gallantry during the crossing of the River Sangro was awarded an Immediate M.M.

Sold with copied research, which confirms his name and rank, and accounts for the corrections to the naming details on his M.M.