Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War Italy operations group of six awarded to Lance-Corporal J. E. B. Green, 6th Royal Tank Regiment (R.A.C.)

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5575589 L. Cpl. J. E. B. Green, R. Tank R.), in its original named box of issue, and forwarding box; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, together with Buckingham Palace forwarding letter for the M.M. and a wartime copy of the original recommendation, generally extremely fine (6) £1200-1400

M.M. London Gazette 5 July 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On 10 April 1945, ‘B’ Squadron was in action between the Senio and Santerno rivers with the 4th Carpathian Battalion. The country was close and flat. The Squadron was advancing along one road towards the Lugo Canal. Lance-Corporal Green was driving the Troop Sergeant’s tank. On approaching position 286337, the tank was fired on by a SP 75mm. gun 400 yards to his left front. The tank was negotiating a difficult ditch at the time and Lance-Corporal Green had the visor open. The tank was hit by a solid shot on the visor. The shot was deflected and did not penetrate, but broke the visor and temporarily blinded the driver. A piece of the visor hit Lance-Corporal Green’s left leg and damaged it. The tank commander ordered the tank to move to cover of a house and to fire the rear smoke. Lance-Corporal Green, although temporarily blinded, found the smoke switch and drove the tank on instructions from the tank commander. The tank was again hit but not damaged and was able to reach cover from where it engaged the enemy. On returning to night leaguer, Lance-Corporal Green, although suffering from blast and a damaged leg, refused to be evacuated and worked all night on his tank, replacing the visor and repairing other damaged parts. The tank was in action the next day. This N.C.O’s prompt action saved the tank, and his courage and determination were an inspiration to all.’

John Edgar Brian Green was serving in the 6th Royal Tank Regiment (R.A.C.) at the time of the above cited deeds, a component of 7th Armoured Brigade, 2nd Polish Corps.