Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Second World War ‘fall of Hong Kong’ M.M. awarded to Sapper F. Sarsfield, Royal Engineers - wounded in action and a prisoner-of-war of the Japanese

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1873257 Spr., R.E.) edge bruising, good very fine £2000-3000

M.M. London Gazette 2 April 1946 'In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the defence of Hong Kong in 1941'

Recommendation: ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty. This soldier was a member of the M.T. Section 22 (Fortress) Coy. RE. and displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty throughout the period of hostilities. Rations were delivered under heavy shell fire and bombing, explosives and mines were carried under similar conditions and on two occasions fuel oil was salvaged from burning Belchers Fort. Ammunition was drawn from Little Hong Kong Magazine though the convoy had to run the gauntlet of enemy small arms fire on both journeys. The whole section displayed marked devotion to duty, fearlessness and a high standard of maintenance and driving. This Sapper has been selected for an award as he was seriously wounded on duty.’

Francis Sarsfield was born on 8 August 1917. The son of James and Anna Sarsfield, of 71 Digby Street, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. He served as a Sapper in the 22nd Company Royal Engineers as a member of the Hong Kong garrison. During the Japanese invasion of the Crown Colony in December 1941, he was wounded in action. For his wartime services he was awarded the Military Medal - recommended by Major-General Maltby, M.C., the General Commanding at Hong Kong.

The capture of the Colony was marked by a large number of atrocities committed by the Japanese - torturing and killing prisoners, the wounded, medical staff and civilians.

With copied recommendation and Japanese P.O.W. record card.