The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery

A Second War ‘Italian theatre’ immediate M.M. awarded to Gunner Victor Griffin, 52nd Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (864124 Gnr. V. Griffin. R.A.) a later or replacement issue with swivel suspension, mounted on original investiture brooch but lacking pin, extremely fine £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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M.M. London Gazette 20 July 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The recommendation states: ‘864124 Gunner Victor Griffin, 52nd Anti Tank Regiment R.A. During the afternoon of 17th March 1944, Gnr Griffin was travelling on the back of a Portee on the coast road running NW from ANZIO. At about 1500. hrs at approx Map Ref 846178 an enemy shell of large calibre landed on the road close to the vehicle in front of that on which Gnr Griffin was travelling, setting it on fire, wounding two of its passengers and damaging another vehicle. At the time there was considerable traffic on the road travelling in both directions. As the shelling continued the traffic halted and drivers and passengers took cover in the ditches by the side of' the road, leaving a traffic block which was under shellfire and in danger of being set alight by the burning vehicle. Gnr Griffin did not take cover with the rest but by first collecting the drivers he relieved the traffic block, he then personally drove the burning truck into the side of the road thus clearing the road and finally rendered first-aid to the two wounded men and arranged for them to be evacuated in a passing ambulance. During the whole of this time the road in the immediate vicinity was being shelled.
By his fine example and complete disregard for his own safety Gnr Griffin probably prevented further casualties to men and vehicles by clearing the traffic block and ensuring that the traffic kept moving. Granted an Immediate M.M.’