Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A French Médaille Militaire, Croix de Guerre group of six attributed to Soldier 1st Class R. A. Guéspin, French Forces

France, Republic, Medaille Militaire, silver, silver-gilt, and enamel, with trophy of arms suspension; Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1939, bronze, with small bronze star on riband; Croix du Combattant, bronze; Medaille Commemorative des Services Volontaires dans la France Libre, silvered; Medaille Commemorative de la Guerre 1939-45, bronze, 2 clasps, Méditerranée, Engagé Volontaire; Medaille Coloniale, silvered-bronze, 1 clasp, Extrême-Orient, very fine and better (6)
£80-120

René Alphonse Guéspin was born at Sartrouville, Seine et Oise, on 30 January 1915, and served with the Free French Forces during the Second World War in the naval operations in the Mediterranean theatre. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre for ‘displaying courage and endurance throughout the War during more that 24 months of operational sailing in circumstances which were often perilous.’ Following the end of the War he returned to France and rejoined the Republic’s Armed Forces. He subsequently served with the French Expeditionary Force to Indo-China, and was wounded (in a non-combat accident) at Nha-Bè on 18 November 1952. He was awarded the Médaille Militaire on 9 July 1956, most likely for valour and bravery in Indo-China.

Sold with the Award Certificates for the Free French Medal and the Colonial Medal; a copy of the citation for the Croix de Guerre; a typed report on the recipient’s accident, dated 19 November 1952; and a damaged and repaired letter of appreciation for services rendered to the Free French Forces from General de Gaulle, dated 1 September 1945.