Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A very rare Second World War M.M. and Bar group of four awarded to Bombardier J. W. Jennings, Royal Artillery – originally decorated for gallant deeds with the B.E.F. in May 1940, he won a Bar for operations in North Africa in May 1942, in which theatre of war he was twice ‘blown up’ in his Wireless Transmission Truck and taken P.O.W.

Military Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (2563583 Bmbr. J. W. Jennings, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; War Medal 1939-45, edge cut/bruise over ‘e’ of surname and solder repair to right hand side-carriage of the Second Award Bar, otherwise good very fine and better (4) £3500-4000

Just 178 M.M. and Bars were awarded in the 1939-45 War – and only around a dozen of these with the original award dating from operations in 1940.

M.M. London Gazette 11 July 1940. The original recommendation states:

‘For gallant and distinguished services in action in connection with recent operations. As Wireless Operator in the truck employed by the Forward Observation Officer on 28 May 1940, Bombardier Jennings gave his orders with great coolness under very heavy enemy fire, causing effective fire to be brought down on the enemy. Although his truck was badly damaged by shell fire he continued at duty until his set was put out of action.’

Bar to M.M. London Gazette 8 November 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Field. This N.C.O. during this action at Valeb, North Africa at the end of May 1942 showed conspicuous coolness and devotion to duty in maintaining signal communication under very heavy fire. While acting as N.C.O. in command of signals to ‘B’ Troop, 285th Battery, he maintained a vital O.P. wire that was constantly being broken by shell fire. This N.C.O. has twice been blown up in W./T. Trucks and is quite imperturbable.’

John William Jennings, a native of Gateshead, was serving in 72 Field Regiment, R.A., 50th Northumbrian Division, at the time of the above cited actions; see the memoirs of Gunner E. Stonard, held in the archive of the Second World War Experience Centre, for full details of 72’s operations with the B.E.F. and in North Africa.

Taken P.O.W. on the latter occasion, Jenning’s ended the War in Stalag 317 at Markt Pongau (St. Johann), and was recommended for his second M.M. by Lieutenant-Colonel J. Lyall, R.A., on the latter’s return from captivity in 1945.