A scarce Second War ‘Leros 1943’ M.M. group of six awarded to Corporal C. J. White, The Buffs, for gallantry in a counter attack against the German landing at Della Palma Bay; he was subsequently taken prisoner after the Buffs were surrounded by German paratroopers and remained in German hands until May 1945

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6459504 Cpl. C. J. White. The Buffs.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, together with a Royal Fusiliers cap badge, good very fine (6) £1,000-£1,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Alan Cathery Collection of Medals to The Buffs, the East Kent Regiment.

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M.M. London Gazette 13 September 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.’

The original recommendation submitted by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Douglas Iggulden states: ‘At Leros on 12 November 1943 this N.C.O. was leading his section in a counter attack upon the enemy who had landed at Della Palma Bay. Quite undaunted by previous failures Cpl White tried again and again to close with the enemy. Finally his fearless and determined leadership enabled him to get in on the enemy flank. His initiative in in making this advance under heavy fire made possible the defeat of the enemy landing party and the capture of many prisoners.’

C. J. White enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers (T.A.) on 23 February 1937, and was embodied on 2 September 1939. He transferred to The Buffs on 11 October 1943. Following the Italian surrender on 3 September 1943, the islands of Kos, Leros and Samos in the Greek Isles were occupied by the British. The 4th Buffs, after losing 7 officers and 128 men when the destroyer Eclipse was mined and sank in 3 minutes, landed on Leros, with 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers, B Coy 2nd R.W. Kents, together with L.R.D.G. and S.B.S. detachments. On 12 November 1943, the Germans retaliated, invading the island in considerable strength. Despite initial determined and successful opposition the Germans eventually swamped the defences with paratroops and, on 14 November, over 500 daylight sorties were flown by the Luftwaffe, destroying the A.A. defences. British attempts to both reinforce and later to evacuate failed, and Colonel Iggulden, Corporal White and most of the Buffs survivors were taken prisoner. White remained in German hands until 13 May 1945. He was transferred to Class Z Army Reserve in June 1946 and finally discharged in June 1959. He is also entitled to the Efficiency Medal, Territorial.