An early ‘Northern Ireland’ M.M. pair awarded to Bombardier (later Acting Sergeant) H. A. Barczynski, 25th Light Regiment, Royal Artillery, who was awarded an M.M. in the first Northern Ireland gallantry list and subsequently served as a member of ‘Cracker Battery’ in the Dhofar War

Military Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (24113581 Bdr., R.A.); General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (24113581 Bdr., R.A.) mounted as worn, good very fine (2) £5000-6000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 22 May 1972 (The first gazette containing awards for Northern Ireland).

Sold with two original letters of congratulation, the first from Major General G.T.A. Armitage, CBE, dated 24 May 1972 and the second from Lieutenant General Sir Harry Tuzo, KCB, OBE, MC, which states:

‘I am writing to congratulate you on your award of the Military Medal for your outstanding performance while you were serving here with your regiment from July to November last year. Your area was one of the worst in Belfast. I know that you gained the confidence of the Royal Ulster Constabulary when attached to their patrols, and that on two separate occasions you behaved most courageously and with complete disregard for your own safety while under fire. I am delighted that your fearless actions, which established you in the eyes of the local police, have been recognised by this well deserved award.’

Henry Adam Barczynski was born in 1947 and enlisted into the Royal Artillery in March 1967. He completed two tours of Northern Ireland Ireland with the 25th Light Regiment, Royal Artillery from July 1971 to November 1971 and from October 1972 to February 1973 and was awarded the M.M. for the former tour. In the early part of 1972 he served during the Dhofar War (additionally entitled to Dhofar clasp) with Cracker Battery, which was a secret and joint operation between the British and Omani Governments and between the Royal Artillery and the Oman Artillery. Barczynski purchased his discharge in September 1974 at which time he held the rank of Acting Sergeant. Sold with copied research, including a copy of an article entitled ‘Cracker Battery and The Dhofar War, by Colonel H.E.P. Colley, O.B.E.