A Second World War ‘Northern Italy operations’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Corporal E. W. Flavell, London Irish Rifles

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6351125 Cpl., Lond. Ir. Rif.), some edge bruising; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Itlay Star; Defence and War Medals; Coronation 1953, good very fine (7) £1200-1500

M.M. London Gazette 12 April 1945.

Recommendation states: ‘Cpl. Flavell was commanding one of the sections that was giving close fire support during the attack on Casa Spinello on 23 Oct. 44. At about 1900 hrs, after the attack had succeeded he was wounded in the thigh. Although he had every opportunity to be evacuated to the RAP he remained at his post keeping his gun firing as counter attacks were beginning to come in.

Another company with extra ammunition and grenades was ordered up to reinforce but ran into a minefield. Cpl. Flavell volunteered with the help of another man to guide them round it to his own Coy position. This he accomplished in the dark, over rough country and under heavy enemy defensive fire. Only after this did he allow himself to be evacuated.

This NCO’s gallantry, devotion to duty and disregard of the fact that he was in great pain resulted in much needed men and ammunition arriving at the correct spot in time, and is worthy of the hghest praise’.

Sold with M.M. forwarding slip named to ‘6351125 Cpl. E. W. Flavell, M.M., London Irish Rifles, The Royal Ulster Rifles’. Also with Coronation 1953 bestowal document named to ‘22243061 Colour-Serjeant E. W. Flavell, M.M., 1sr Bn. London Irish Rifles’.