The Collection of Medals to the Leicester Regiment and Yeomanry formed by the late Trevor Harris

A very rare Second World War battle of Crete M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal S. Markham, Leicestershire Regiment, who was hotly engaged against enemy parachutists in the defence of Heraklion airfield

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4855786 L. Cpl. S. Markham, Leic. R.) edge bruising, otherwise good very fine £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Leicester Regiment and Yeomanry formed by the late Trevor Harris.

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M.M. London Gazette 4 November 1941. The original recommendation states:

‘On 20 May 1941, at Heraklion, Lance-Corporal Markham was a section commander in ‘A’ Company. The Company was in action against parachutists. He led his section with great dash, setting a fine example. Again on 25 May 1941, at Heraklion, his platoon came under heavy fire near the town. When ordered to make good some trenches with his section, entailing crossing some 20 yards of open ground in full view of the enemy machine-gunners, he immediately did so, the whole platoon following his action, thereby avoiding heavy casualties. Later his Platoon Commander was killed, and he was left in charge of the Platoon. He extricated all his platoon from a nasty situation without casualties, showing great skill in so doing. His complete disregard for his own safety and his fine personal example were an inspiration to his section and later his platoon. Throughout the day he displayed great skill in handlng both the section and the Platoon and to an extent quite unusual in a Lance-Corporal. He is recommended for an immediate award of the M.M. for outstanding gallantry and initiative.’

Markham, a native of Barnetby, Leicestershire, was serving in the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment at the time of the above related deeds.