A Second World War North-West Europe operations M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Sergeant H. A. Staddon, Monmouthshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1508028 L. Sjt. H. A. Staddon, S. Wales Bord.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, the first with officially corrected surname and slack re-riveted suspension, about very fine and better (5) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Monmouthshire Regiment formed by Lt. Col. P. A. Blagojevic, O. St. J., T.D..

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M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1944. The original recommendation states:

On 14 August 1944, at about 2100 hours, this N.C.O. was leading his platoon in the area opf the cross-roads at 041407 when he came under fire from a German locality to the East. He organised a fire plan quickly and, chiefly due to his quick reaction, the German platoon surrendered and about 25 prisoners were captured. Shortly afterwards, in the same area, when a man was hit by shellefire and his 77-grenade was ignited, this N.C.O. stripped off the man’s clothing and equipment and extinguished the phosporous which was burning him. Throughout this period this N.C.O. has set an example which could not be improved upon. On the following day, during an attack on Leffard, whilst leading and encouraging his men in the attack, he was wounded.’

Henry Arthur Staddon, a native of Newport, was serving in the 2nd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment at the time of the above deeds, a component of 160 (South Wales) Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, 12 Corps.