Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Combined Operations 1940-1942, an HMSO publication prepared for the Combined Operations Command by the Ministry of Information, 144pp, paper covers, contains an original signature and inscription by Sergeant Jack Terry D.C.M., 11th (Scottish) Commando; together with another copy of the same; a copy of The Eighth Army September 1941 to January 1943, an HMSO publication prepared for the War Office by the Ministry of Information, 103pp, paper covers; and a copy of “It Can Be Revealed”, more about British Railways in Peace and War, a 1945 work of the British railway system during the Second World War, 64pp, fully illustrated with index, well worn with covers loose (4) £80-£120

Provenance: Acquired by the present vendor from Sergeant Jack Terry, D.C.M., when the latter was living in Nottingham in the 1980s.

Jack Terry was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his part in the ‘Rommel Raid’ of November 1941 raid, in which his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel G. C. T. Keyes, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. His citation for the D.C.M. states: ‘At Sidi Rafa after capsizing in his boat during the landing from the submarine and after an exacting march over 18 miles of mountainous country in drenching rain, Sergeant Terry in company with two officers, forced an entrance to the German HQ at Sidi Rafa. He covered the two officers while they investigated the ground floor and prevented enemy interference by firing his tommy gun at guards who attempted to descend from the 1st floor. He afterwards entered a room and though fired at from the dark interior, he emptied two magazines into it. When the Commander of his detachment was killed, he conducted his party successfully back to the beach. On retirement from the beach, after ordering his party to disperse and take to the hills in compliance with instructions, Sergeant Terry remained behind under heavy fire, and waited for his Commanding Officer who had hurt his knee. He remained in his company behind the enemy lines for 41 days until they were able to rejoin our own advancing troops.’