A scarce Second War ‘Madagascar operations’ M.M. awarded to Gunner W. Howell, Royal Artillery, who died in Madagascar on 1 June 1942

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (785314 Gnr. W. Howell. R.A.) second digit of number officially corrected, nearly extremely fine £1,400-£1,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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M.M. London Gazette 16 June 1942:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Madagascar.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘On the morning of 6 May 1942, Driver Wilfred Howell was driving an Armoured OP to 29 Independent Brigade HQ - he was travelling at the rear of a convoy of Infantry Carriers.
As the third carrier was passing through the road block at 075286, a 75mm gun opened fire on the road. The occupants of the carrier which was then passing through the road block dismounted from their carrier and left it almost completely blocking the road. The next two carriers turned back.
Despite the fact that three shells burst alongside the Armoured OP, wounding a signaller, destroying the wireless set and setting the Armoured OP on fire, Driver Howell obeyed the orders of his BC, and by showing great coolness and skill drove his Arm OP straight on to safety where it had to be abandoned - burnt out.’

Wilfred Howell attested for the Royal Artillery and served with 9 Field Regiment during the Second World War in Madagascar. He died on 1 June 1942, aged 31, and is buried in Diego Suarez War Cemetery, Madagascar.