Orders, Decorations and Medals

The exceptional and unique North Africa ‘Highland Division’ D.C.M. and M.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant-Major J. Murray Archibald, 7th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, originally recommended for a Bar to the D.C.M., his Military Medal was won in the battle of Wadi Akirit, the same action for which Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Campbell was awarded the Victoria Cross

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (2986699 A/W.O.Cl.II. J. M. Archibald, A.& S.H.) with named packet; Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2986699 A.W.O.Cl.II. M. Archibald, A.& S.H.) with named card box of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, together with the recipient’s battledress tunic that he wore at the D-Day landings, two Highland Division cloth shoulder patches, his desert entrenching tool, Buckingham Palace Investiture ticket, and a quantity of photographs, news cuttings and letters, very fine or better (8) £3500-4500

D.C.M. London Gazette 4 May 1943. The following details are taken from the original recommendation for the award of an Immediate Military Medal: ‘On 6th March 1943, when the Germans attacked the battalion position on the SEGDEL ridge the main weight of the attack fell on C.S.M. Archibald’s company which was continuously engaged with machine gun, mortar and artillery fire from 0800 hrs till sunset. As the day passed the enemy worked his machine guns and mortars up closer and in greater numbers, and the company was subjected to constant shelling and machine gunning until a counter-attack at last light finally drove the enemy off. In these difficult circumstances C.S.M. Archibald gave an outstanding display of devotion to duty. All through the day he moved about the Company area with complete disregard of the enemy fire, visiting platoons and passing orders. When an observation post was driven in by fire he personally led a party back to it and then went by himself to a position in the flank where he remained sniping the advancing infantry and observing and reporting their movements and the effect of our own fire. Throughout the action C.S.M. Archibald’s coolness and disregard of danger were an inspiration to the men of his company and of invaluable assistance to his Company Commander.’

M.M. London Gazette 22 July 1943. The following details are taken from the original recommendation for the award of an Immediate Bar to the Distinguished Conduct Medal: ‘On 6 Apl 43 in the attack on the GABES Line, C.S.M. Archibald’s company captured its objectives but was by then so much reduced in strength that it was doubtful if it could hold them. A platoon from the reserve company was therefore sent to reinforce it. The ground around the Coy area was under direct observation and all movement drew L.M.G. fire and sniping. In spite of the fire C.S.M. Archibald left Coy H.Q. without hesitation and crossed the open ground to meet the incoming platoon and lead them to their position. He then returned to Coy H.Q., a distance of two hundred yards, for further orders for the platoon and again crossed the open to deliver them. During the whole time he was under heavy small arms fire but he never faltered or showed any sign of fear. One bullet went through his steel helmet missing his head by a fraction of an inch and a later one pierced his arm and shoulder. He arrived back at Coy H.Q. having completed his final journey, obviously in great distress and then collapsed, but only after he had finished his job. He gave a magnificent display of courage, determination and devotion to duty.’

John Murray Archibald was called to the Colours in January 1940 and joined his local regiment, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. After initial training at Stirling Castle, he emerged as a Lance Corporal and joined the 7th battalion for two years of intensive training under Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Campbell, D.S.O. He embarked on the Leopoldville in June 1942 to join a convoy bound for the Middle East and fought throughout the battle of El Alamein and was promoted to Sergeant-Major, a rank he held for the remainder of the war despite the offer of a commission. In February 1943 the 51st Highland Division moved into Tunisia, through the Mareth Line and on to Mendenine where, on 6th March, Archibald won his D.C.M. One month later the 7th Argyll’s took part in the battle of Wadi Akirit, which Archibald describes as ‘probably the roughest, toughest battle of them all. The battalion excelled themselves. If we could get through this gap the path was right open to Tunis and joining up with the First Army coming from the other side. It was found that the line we were making through the minefields was running at the wrong angle - down, instead of across. Lorne Maclaine Campbell, along with the sappers, changed the whole direction of attack, under the most intensive enemy fire.’