A Second War ‘Anzio beachhead’ Immediate M.M. awarded to Sergeant R. W. Hetherington, 156th (Lanarkshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (843253 Sjt. R. W. Hetherington. R.A.) mounted on original investiture pin, very fine £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 20 July 1944.

The recommendation for the grant of an Immediate M.M. (originally for a D.C.M.) states: ‘Sergeant Reuben William Hetherington, 156th (Lanarkshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment R.A., was in charge of a Battery line Maintenance party in the Anzio beachhead during the period 25-30 March 1944, and was responsible for the maintenance of the line to his Battery Commander who was with the Battalion Commander. The line crossed an open piece of ground which was under enemy observation and where the slightest movement brought shell and mortar fire and also machine gun fire so much so that movement across it by day had been forbidden.
On the afternoon of 28 March 1944 activity in the forward company areas indicated that an enemy attack might be developing and it was considered advisable in view of this to restore line communication which had been broken by enemy shelling earlier in the day. The Battery Commander therefore obtained permission from the Battalion Commander and at 1500 hrs by W/T to the maintenance post ordered Sergeant Hetherington and his party to attempt to repair the line forthwith instead of waiting for nightfall which was the normal procedure. This N.C.O. and his party proceeded along the line but their appearance in the open was the signal for enemy shell and mortar fire to open up. In spite of this the N.C.O. continued along the line with his party mending breaks as they went until the fire became so intense that they were forced to take cover. When the fire slackened Sergeant Hetherington left the two men of the party under cover and carried on down the line alone. The shelling continued but in spite of it this N.C.O. carried on with his task. Eventually however the fire became so intense that he was forced to take cover in a culvert under a road, the enemy obtaining two direct hits on it during his occupation. After some 20 minutes the shelling once more abated and Sgt the fire became so intense that they were forced to take cover again left his cover to carry on with his task. He eventually reached his Battery Commander at 1630 hrs having successfully completed his task of repairing the line and restoring communications by that means.
In carrying out this hazardous task, the risks involved being only too obvious, this N.C.O. showed a complete disregard for his personal safety and a devotion to duty worthy of the highest praise.’

Reuben William Hetherington was born in 1921 and spent his childhood living in Workington on the west coast of Cumbria. Awarded the M.M. for gallantry during the Second World War, he returned home and took employment as a plumber’s mate in the local area. He died in Workington on 12 September 1984.