Orders, Decorations and Medals

Pair: Private R. Cleary, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Korea 1950-53, 1st issue, with unofficial clasp, Naktong Bridgehead (19047145 Pte., A. & S.H.) minor correction to name; U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed, nearly extremely fine (2) £260-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Small Collection of Medals relating to the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade in Korea.

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Ex D.N.W. 31 March 2010.

On 23 September 1950 the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders attacked and captured Chinese Hill 282. Heavy casualties were suffered and Major K. Muir, the Second In Command led a stretcher carrying part back up the hill to organise their evacuation. The Chinese launched a counter attack and more casualties were suffered. To halt the Chinese attack an air strike was called and air recognition panels set out. Unfortunately a flight of USAF Mustang aircraft misread the panels and smashed the Argyll position with napalm and machine gun fire. Major Muir regrouped his remaining troops and led them back up the hill. The attack was successful and the hill was recaptured but Major Muir was killed by two bursts of machine gun fire - for his great courage in action he was awarded posthumous Victoria Cross. In the Naktong Area where Private R. Cleary was serving the Battalion lost 19 men killed and 89 wounded.