Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Second World War Italy operations M.M. awarded to Sergeant J. J. Williams, Cameron Highlanders, who was severely wounded while storming an enemy post with machine-gun and grenades

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3851955 Sjt. J. J. Williams), slightly loose suspension claw, extremely fine £1200-1400

M.M. London Gazette 8 March 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On 23 September 1944, during the Battalion’s advance upon San Martino, ‘A’ Company had occupied Borgo-Maggiore. Sergeant Williams and his platoon of 16 men were ordered to seize and hold a road junction on the outskirts of the town. As it approached the platoon was fired upon by several automatic weapons. Sergeant Williams disposed his platoon around the post and himself advanced upon it with his T.M.G. and some grenades. A quick burst of fire severely wounded him in the groin but despite concentrated fire at very close range he completely disorganised the post with his weapons, and at the same time directed the movement of his platoon which closed in and destroyed the post, taking three prisoners. Sergeant Williams then re-organised his platoon and took the prisoners back to the Company before permitting himself to be given medical attention.

His dauntless courage and fine sense of leadership enabled him to, although in great pain, achieve effective exploitation of the Company’s success and ensure solidarity of its new positions.’

John Joseph Wiiliams, a native of Liverpool, was serving in the 2nd Battalion, Cameron Highlanders at the time of the above cited deeds.