An ‘Anzio breakout’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Sergeant W. R. Jones, 46th Royal Tank Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7897205 L.Sjt., R. Tank R.) good very fine £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to the Royal Tank Regiment from the Collection of Bill Green.

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M.M. London Gazette 26 October 1944.

“L/Sgt Jones was commanding a tank in “A” Squadron in support of 2 Foresters and 1 K.S.L.I. Half-way to the objective his troop came under extremely heavy enemy shell fire which wounded his troop commander and prevented the advance of our infantry. L/Sgt Jones immediately took command of the remainder of his troop and took the tanks forward on to their objective, despite the fact that this entailed driving over enemy trenches commanded by resolute enemy parachutists and who attacked his tanks with grenades and MG fire at a range of somewhat less than 5 yds. Wherever possible L/Sgt Jones himself threw grenades from his turret into the enemy trenches and although the control of his troop required the constant exposure of his head and shoulders to observe the enemy dispositions and place his tanks accordingly, his determination to over-run the enemy positions overcame all difficulties. Under his direction his troop destroyed many enemy machine gun nests and so effectively silenced the considerable enemy opposition that our infantry were enabled to advance again. L/Sgt Jones was also quick to notice the movement of enemy MT behind the enemy lines and immediately engaged them with his guns as well as giving quick and accurate observation to the Div Artillery, so that several vehicles were destroyed. Throughout the battle, L/Sgt Jones showed great initiative and complete disregard for his own safety. His quick grasp of a difficult situation and his vigorous resourcefulness were a great inspiration to all ranks of his Squadron.”

Sold with original Certificate of Transfer to the Army Reserve, and two copy photographs.