Orders, Decorations and Medals

Lance-Sergeant Robert Bennett, M.M., B.E.M., Special Air Service, late Grenadier Guards
Original riband bar (in three strips) bearing the ribbons: Military Medal; British Empire Medal, 2nd issue, military; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62; Army L.S. & G.C.; Imperial Service Medal, fair condition £20-40

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Ribbons from the Collection of the late Judge Henry Pownall.

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Ribbons attributed to Bennett with booklet The S.A.S. Elite Forces; a letter to Judge Pownall from Lieutenant-General Sir Peter de la Billiere, dated 28 May 1990, relating to Bennett’s M.M. citation, for the second raid on Tamet Aerodrome, December 1941. - a copy of which is with the lot, together with other related letters and copied research.

Citation: ‘This NCO in the second raid on Tamet Aerodrome, showed the highest qualities of determination. Although silhouetted against the light of burning aircraft and thus easily visible to the enemy, he continued his task in the face of heavy fire from automatic weapons, until demolition charges had been placed on all the aircraft. On completing his task he managed to shoot his way clear of the aerodrome. This NCO has successfully participated in five other raids. It is requested that no details should be published of these operations owing to their secrecy.’