Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘North West Europe’ M.M. group of five awarded to Gunner W. C. F. Mylius, Royal Artillery, for his gallantry as a Observation Post Signaller: wounded and captured by the enemy having destroyed the code signs, he gave the enemy false information before being rescued

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14405544 Gnr. W. C. F. Mylius. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, minor official correction to surname on MM, nearly extremely fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

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 1 March 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’

The original Recommendation, dated 1 October 1944, states ‘Gunner William Charles Frederick Mylius was observation post signaller to the Observation Post accompanying a company attacking the bridge at Cirschot 3025 on 22 September 1944. He maintained communications with the battery throughout the day in spite of intense enemy machine gun and 20mm fire and in spite of being wounded.
He returned towards the gun area with the OP Officer after relief that night and was ambushed. The OP Officer was killed and he himself was captured. Gunner Mylius, however, had the presence of mind to destroy the code signs and switch the wireless set off before being taken prisoner. When asked by the enemy how many were in the carder he replied "four" well knowing that there were six - so as to give the others a chance to get away.
Gunner Mylius was later rescued by one of our patrols to whom he was able to give useful information. By his courage, coolheadedness, and disregard of his own personal safety, Gunner Mylius contributed much to the maintenance of Gunner support to the company throughout the day, and to the maintenance of security on capture.’