Orders, Decorations and Medals

A mounted group of twelve miniature dress medals representative of the medals awarded to Yeoman Warder G. Armstrong, late Grenadier Guards, Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R.; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 2 slip-on clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya; Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953; Army Meritorious Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army; Army Best Shot Medal, G.VI.R., several medals in silver base metal, mounted for display, very fine and better (12) £50-70

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Miniature Medals from the Collection of Ian McInnes.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 15 June 1944. ‘Drill Sergeant (A/C.S.M.) George Thomas Armstrong, 5th Battalion Grenadier Guards. ‘During the fighting on the Anzio bridgehead the 5th Bn. Grenadier Guards was almost continuously in action from the 25th Jan-9th Feb. 1944 and this Warrant Officer was acting as R.S.M. Throughout the period D/Sgt. Armstrong was suffering severe pain from rheumatism, but refused to go sick. On the night 7/8 Feb. the enemy broke through the front and heavily attacked Bn. H.Q., which was practically surrounded. This Warrant Officer led the defence with Tommy gun and hand grenades and by his extreme gallantry and powers of leadership succeeded in holding his position. He was twice blown over by enemy hand grenades, but this made no difference to his continued diregard for his own safety and his ability to fight the enemy with the means at his disposal. Throughout the period that the Bn. was in close contact with the enemy D/Sgt. Armstrong’s cheerfulness and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all with whom he came in contact, and his conduct is deserving of the highest commendation’.

He won the Army Best Shot Medal in both 1951 and 1955 as R.Q.M. Sgt. in the competition at Bisley for the Military Forces at Home.

These medals are representative of the awards to the above and have been assembled in recent years for display purposes.