An outstanding ‘River Sangro’ Immediate M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant E. G. Taylor, 50th Royal Tank Regiment


Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7917476 Sjt., R. Tank R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence & War Medals, extremely fine (6) £500-600

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 6 April 1944.

“Pt.290 near Romagnoli. On 30 Nov 43, “A” Squadron, 50 R. Tks., was in support of 1 Mahrattas, of 21 Ind Inf Bde, in an advance across a deep valley North-west to Pt.290. No.4 Troop, then only two tanks strong, was detailed to move along the axis of the Roman Road in close support, whilst the remainder of the Squadron supported by fire from the high ground. The two leading tanks were commanded by Lieut K. N. Pillar and Sergeant Taylor, E. G., respectively. The Troop were dealing effectively with enemy machine-gun positions, and near the objective the two tanks got well ahead of the infantry. Lieut Pillar’s tank approached the top of the ridge but was picked off at short range by an enemy tank concealed behind a house. Lieut Pillar and three of his crew (1 wounded) baled out successfully, but the driver was badly wounded and unable to get out. The enemy tank was firing its machine-guns and the crew were also in serious danger from machine-gun positions nearby, but succeeded in getting to cover. At this stage, the infantry were running out of ammunition and temporarily fell back some 200 yds to await further supplies.

Sergeant Taylor therefore was left well forward entirely single-handed facing a ridge over which he knew there were enemy tanks. He held his ground with extreme calm and continued firing at enemy positions and kept his OC informed of the position. When a second troop reached him to give support, he dismounted and by crawling some distance he located three of the crew who had baled out, and assisted to dress one who was wounded. They told him that Lieut Pillar had returned to his tank to attempt to get the driver out, but had not been seen since. In fact, Lieut Pillar had been killed in this attempt. Sergeant Taylor continued crawling to the knocked-out tank, but realised it was hopeless to try and get into it, as the enemy tank still had it covered. He therefore returned to the crew and assisted them to his own tank, put the supporting troop leader in the picture, and brought back the wounded man on his tank.

It is considered that his cool courage and leadership in remaining forward alone was instrumental in preventing the enemy tanks from counter-attacking our infantry at a time when they had no ammunition, and later he showed great initiative and courage in getting the other members of Lieut Pillar’s crew back safely. I have the honour to recommend Sergeant Taylor be granted the immediate award of the Military Medal.”

Lieutenant Pillar’s act of gallantry was placed on record by the General Officer Commanding in a Special Regimental Order on 7 February 1944. Although Lieutenant Pillar was recommended for a Posthumous Victoria Cross, he was given the only alternative, a Posthumous Mention in Despatches. Sold with a copy of this S.R.O., an original portrait photograph, named Buckingham Palace letter, an original copy of The Tank journal for October 1943, listing Sergeant Taylor as wounded, and the history of the 50th R.T.R. by Stephen D. Hamilton.