Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘North Africa’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel R. J. H. Gaunt, Royal Engineers

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1943; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Decoration, Territorial, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, reverse dated 1951, with two Clasps, one G.VI.R. dated 1951, the other E.II.R., undated, mounted as worn, together with R.E. cap badge, good very fine (8) £800-£1,200

M.C. London Gazette 17 June 1943.

The recommendation states: ‘On 21st March 1943 Lieutenant Gaunt was in charge of a Platoon of a Field Company working on the crossing of the Wadi Zigzaou near Ksiba West to make it passable for vehicles. The crossing was under heavy mortar and shell fire as well as small arms fire from isolated enemy posts still holding out behind our leading infantry. Throughout the night Lieutenant Gaunt remained in the gap directing the work of his men and his fine example materially assisted the completion of the crossing, so that a battalion of tanks could cross the next morning.’

Efficiency Decoration and First Clasp London Gazette 12 January 1951; Second Clasp London Gazette 13 December 1959.

Sold with original War Office letter to his father confirming award of M.C. and enclosing recommendation; War Office letter advising date of Investiture; and Central Chancery summons to attend the Investiture at Buckingham Palace on 24 October 1944.