Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare ‘Crowned Head’ North West Frontier 1935 M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant F. Britten, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was wounded in action at Dand Banda, 23 August 1935, and died whilst on active service with the 10th Battalion in the UK during the Second War, 22 April 1943

Military Medal, G.V.R., 2nd ‘crowned head’ issue (4611181 L. Cpl. F. Britten. 2-D.W.R.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (4611181 Pte. F. Britten. D.W.R.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, light contact marks, generally very fine (4) £2,800-£3,200

M.M. London Gazette 8 May 1936:

‘For distinguished services rendered in the field in connection with the Mohmand Operations, North West Frontier of India, during the period 15/16th August to 15/16th October, 1935.’

The following is given in relation to this award in For Bravery in the Field, by C. K. Bate and M. G. Smith:

‘The next citation is unofficial and another example of a joint award.
4687194 L./Cpl. Stone, W. and 4611181 L./Cpl. Britten, F. of ‘B’ Company 2nd Bn. D.W.R., for the action at Dand Banda on the 23rd August 1935.

“The advance guard reached Dand at about 1800 Hours and ‘B’ Company acting as the rear guard was called on to attack and occupy the ridge overlooking the selected camp sites. In gaining their objective the Company came under heavy and accurate rifle fire, thereby suffering four casualties - L./Cpl’s Stone, Britten and Pte’s Clarke and Ward. The remainder of the Battalion eventually reached camp at 10.50 hours, having withdrawn 15 road piquets en route, most of which had to be called down in the dark. The fact that the rear guard was not followed up was proof of the severe defeat the enemy had suffered. Enemy casualties were reported as being not less than 60 dead and 40 wounded. Our own casualties were 9 killed and 21 wounded. For their conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty for their attack on the Ridge L./Cpl’s Stone and Britten were awarded the Military Medal.”

Both medals were presented by the departing District Commander Lt.-General Muspratt at a Battalion parade at Nowshera on the 20 October 1937.

During the Second World War L.Cpl. Britten died on the 22.4.43, whilst serving with the 10 Bn. D.W.R.’

Frank Britten was the son of Mr and Mrs F. Britten of Masbrough, Rotherham. He resided in Canklow, Rotherham, and advanced to Sergeant serving with the 10th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment during the Second War. The Battalion trained reinforcements for the overseas battalions, except for two years between 1942-44 when it had an operational role in the UK. Britten died serving in that capacity, aged 56, 22 April 1943, and is buried in the Rotherham (Masbrough) Cemetery.

Approximately 10 M.M.’s awarded for the ‘North West Frontier 1935’ operations.