The Collection of Medals formed by the late John Seabrook

A fine Relief of Arnhem M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant R. W. Scott, Middlesex Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6348956 Sjt. R. W. Scott, Midd’x. R.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence & War Medals, light contact mrks, therefore very fine (5) £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late John Seabrook.

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M.M. London Gazette 12 July 1945. The recommendation states: ‘On the night of 12/13 April 1945, 49 (WR) Division forced the River Ijssel and attacked Arnhem. For this operation it was necessary for No. 12 4.2 Mortar Platoon to take up a very exposed position on the bank of the Neder Rijn immediately South of Arnhem to enable the platoon to support both the assault river crossing and the attack on the town. It was also necessary to dump a large quantity of mortar ammunition, both High Explosive and Phosphorous Smoke. Sergeant Scott, owing to the absence of his officer, was in sole command of the mortar position.

The platoon came under accurate and sustained enemy artillery fire. One ammunition dump was hit and the phosphorous smoke ammunition caused a conflagration in the houses and the other ammunition dumps in the platoon position. The area rapidly became a raging inferno and quite untenable. Sergeant Scott, with complete disregard for his own safety, personally rallied all members of the platoon and removed them from immediate danger. On checking the platoon he found that there were three men missing. Showing bravery of the very highest order, this NCO immediately returned into the inferno amidst exploding mortar bombs and still under enemy artillery fire searched for the missing personnel. He found one Private lying at the bottom of a slit trench and alight with burning phosphorous. Sergeant Scott lifted out the soldier and carried him to safety. In doing this he was severely burned about the hands and body. Despite his burns and facing almost certain death he did not desist until he had found the other two missing men, but returned again and again into the area. He then moved the platoon to safety and attended to every man’s welfare. Only after he had seen to the needs of every man and made sure that his platoon was complete did Sergeant Scott think of his own wounds.

This NCO, during a sustained period of action, set an example of bravery of the very highest order. By magnificent leadership he extricated his platoon with very few casualties showing a devotion to duty far surpassing anything that could reasonably be expected.’