Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War ‘Italian theatre’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private J. H. Barnacle, 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, who was observed firing Piat, Thompson submachine-gun, Bren gun and grenade at the enemy with deadly effect during the attack on Montegabbione in June 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5892470 Pte. J. H. Barnacle, North’n R.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, obverse of the first heavily polished, otherwise very fine (5) £1200-1400

M.M. London Gazette 7 December 1944. The recommendation states:

‘On June 16th, 1944, the Battalion was advancing against the enemy who was in occupation of the town of Montegabbione. The town was built on a conical hill, being an admirable defensive position. The enemy dominated the surrounding countryside and roads by fire and the town was covered by machine-guns from the hills beyond, thus making movement difficult. In the town there was mortar, and in the streets, firing down the road was an 88mm gun. “C” Company advanced under heavy fire and succeeded in gaining their objective before being pinned down by machine-gun fire at ranges of between 20 and 40 yards. Tanks which were in support could not advance as they had been spotted by the 88mm and came under heavy fire every time they moved. Pte. Barbacle and his officer manoeuvred into a position at great personal risk with a Piat, fired it at the nearest machine-gun and silenced it. Having done this he returned with his officer and armed himself with grenades and a TSMG before going forward to attack the 88mm gun. His officer threw a grenade amongst the crew which was immediately fired on by Pte. Barnacle. One man was killed and another wounded by his fire. The remainder of the crew moved the gun from its commanding position thus allowing Pte. Barnacle and his officer to enter a house. Considerable sniping was going on, and the house was hit by a mortar bomb just after they had gone upstairs. The blast blew them both down to the foot of the stairs. Picking themselves up they went upstairs again and opened fire on the crew of the mortar, who immediately withdrew.

During the action Pte. Barnacle was observed firing Piat, TSMG, Bren gun and grenade at the enemy with deadly effect.

By his aggressive and untiring action, with complete disregard for his own personal safety in supporting his officer, the company was able to consolidate its position. His action in attacking the crew of the 88mm gun enabled the tanks to advance in support into the town.’