Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War ‘Burma’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal K. A. Wilson, Royal Engineers

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2116522 L.Cpl. K. A. Wilson, R.E.) mounted on original investiture brooch, extremely fine £300-350

M.M. London Gazette 22 March 1945.

The following recommendation for an Immediate award of the M.M. is taken from official records: ‘L/Cpl. Kenneth Agneau Wilson, 506 Field Company, Royal Engineers. On the 19th June1944 this N.C.O. was in the Sapper Party with two troops of tanks which were supporting the Worcester’s attack on MARAM. The column encountered a heavy tar barrel rod block. The leading tank was hit by a 75 mm but the other tanks brought down supporting fire and, eventually, smoke.

L/Cpl Wilson and the Party removed two groups of eight mines and worked on the tar barrels until one Sapper was fatally wounded. On L/Cpl Wilson’s suggestion they then attacked the barrels with explosives. This effort removed all but three barrels. At this point the leading tank was ordered to withdraw bringing up the Sapper Party with it.

The officer and L/Cpl Wilson decided that they could finish the job without tank support. Under some cover from their own smoke they ran forward with one other Sapper and successfully cleared the remaining block. The tanks were thus enabled to push on and shoot up the reverse slope positions which had been holding up the Worcesters.

L/Cpl Wilson’s initiative, cheerfulness and complete disregard for personal safety had been an inspiration to the Party and greatly assisted in the success of this operation.’