Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Burma operations’ M.C. group of five attributed to Major J. L. Gwinnett, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, attached 9/15th Punjab Regiment, Indian Army

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1943, on original mounting pin; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (5) £600-£800

M.C. London Gazette 16 December 1943: Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Joseph Lawton Gwinnett (217397) The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding) (attached 15th Punjab Regiment, Indian Army).
The original Recommendation, dated 18 June 1943, states: ‘This officer was in command of a Company of Jats, mostly young and inexperienced men. Throughout the period stated he has shown the greatest offensive spirit and a constant desire to get to grips with the enemy. His very high order of leadership and personal courage under fire on the many patrols he has conducted have been an inspiration, not only to his own company, but to all the ranks of the battalion, and his patrols have invariably resulted in the acquisition of useful information. Two instances are given:-
On 1 April on the Taungmaw front he conducted a patrol up a difficult ascent to a point behind enemy lines where he ambushed and killed a Jap withdrawing without loss.
On 18 April he conducted a very enterprising patrol of two men and himself to behind enemy lines and returned with valuable information.'

Sold with the official citation and forwarding letter with the envelope dated June 1950, address to Major J. L. Gwinnett, M.C. D.W.R., Hoyland Villa, Whiston, Rotherham, Yorks; the recipient’s release book dated, 6 October 1945; and Army Council enclosure for he campaign awards.