Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of seven awarded to Private J. Hastie, Essex Regiment, who was decorated for his gallantry during the 5th Battalion’s attack on Villa Grande in December 1943

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3254285 Pte. J. Hastie, Essex R.), with its named card box of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine and better (7) £1000-1200

M.M. London Gazette 6 June 1944. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On 22 December 1943, Private Hastie belonged to a section of the leading platoon in the attack on Villa Grande.

His Section Commander became a casualty, but this young soldier immediately took charge and himself led the section into the house which was their objective, killing two of the enemy garrison as he advanced.

Subsequently when the Platoon was in danger of running out of ammunition Private Hastie, without waiting for orders, worked his way across open, bullet-swept ground and succeeded in getting further supplies from the casualties lying there.

During the night when a house in the closest contact to the enemy was being held, and lights of any kind were naturally out of the question, the quiet good humour of Private Hastie did much to maintain the morale of those present.

In the words of his Company Commander, “his coolness and courage throughout the day was an inspiration to us all.” ’

Sold with the recipient’s original Buckingham Palace M.M. forwarding letter.