Five: Private R. Sutherland, Duke of Wellington's Regiment

1939-45 STAR; ITALY STAR; DEFENCE AND WAR MEDALS; GENERAL SERVICE 1918- 62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (14553923 Pte., D.W.R.) very fine (5)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment from the Collection of Mr Donald Hall.

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The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (1st Battalion) took an active role in the Palestine campaign, including Operation Agatha, in which the aim was to round up all V.I.J.'s (Very Important Jews). On the first day 2,659 men and 59 women were arrested and the major Jewish arsenal at Meshek Yagur captured but, despite this, the main objective was not achieved and the Irgun terrorists retaliated by blowing up the King David Hotel, which housed G.H.Q., and resulted in the loss of ninety one lives.