Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An unusual Second World War North Africa operations M.C. group of eight attributed to Major M. F. S. Rudkin, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (R.A.C.), who, having been decorated for his gallantry in the action at Beda Fomm in February 1941, added the Chinese Republic Medal of Honour to his accolades for subsequent deeds in Burma

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1941’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; Defence & War Medals 1939-45; China, Republic, Medal of Honour, silver and enamel, the reverse officially numbered ‘No. 00846’, enamel chipped and suspension ring bent on the last, otherwise very fine (8) £800-1000

M.C. London Gazette 9 May 1941:

‘For gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’

The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and leadership. On 6 February 1941 Captain Rudkin was in command of a Troop of Cruiser tanks on the northern flank of his squadron in the vicinity of Beda Fomm. On reporting 10 enemy tanks advancing on the right rear of his squadron, Captain Rudkin was ordered to take up a position with his troop to engage these tanks and cover the withdrawal of the remainder of his squadron which had been ordered back to replenish. Captain Rudkin under very heavy artillery and tank fire successfully covered the withdrawal, standing on successive features until one of the tanks of his troop had been disabled by enemy gun fire, and the remainder had run out of 2-pounder ammunition. He then withdrew his troop to replenish and later continued in action until nightfall. His refusal to withdraw in the face of vastly superior numbers undoubtedly saved the situation at a very critical period.’

Mark Francis Swain Rudkin was awarded the Medal of Honour of the National Government of the Republic of China ‘For distinguished services in Burma’ (London Gazette 30 April 1943, refers), an award reflecting his and 2nd R.T.R’s gallant service on attachment to the Chinese 38th Division in the bloody retreat of March 1942, an episode described in detail in Churchill’s Desert Rats - thus mention of Rudkin and ‘C’ Squadron in action near Waw:

‘The Japanese resumed their offensive on the night of 3-4 March, and Major Rudkin’s squadron were vigorously attacked at first light in a heavy mist. Their tanks were surrounded and over-run with yelling Japanese who advanced right up to the tanks, some carrying explosives attacked to long poles which they attempted to drop into the turrets. However, the Stuarts M.Gs and the tank commanders’ Tommy guns produced deadly fire. Fortunately, 7th Hussars, who were due to relieve 2 R.T.R., were now quite close.’