Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Sidi Rezegh operations M.M. group of seven awarded to Corporal E. Coe, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2041302 Cpl. E. Coe, R. Tank R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (7) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 24 February 1942. The original recommendation states:

‘On the afternoon of the 21 November 1941, Corporal Coe was acting as a Tank Commander. During the action with enemy tanks, he saw that two other tanks of the squadron were in need of a tow to restart their engines. Although enemy tanks were very close, he manoeuvred his tank into position, and while under very heavy fire, dismounted to fix the tow ropes. In circumstances of great difficulty and danger, he succeeded in starting both tanks and making them fit to take part in the action. On the following day he kept his tank in action although the turret was jammed and the gun would only fire in one direction. He overcame this difficulty as best he could by enterprise, coolness and skilful manoeuvre. Throughout he showed great ability, initiative and complete disregard of danger, and his conduct set a very high example to his men.’

An award for the first armoured battle of Sidi Rezegh, during the breakout from and relief of Tobruk, 18-25 November 1941.
Ernest Coe was from Cranbrook, Kent; sold with copied photograph of the recipient taking a ‘petrol tin bath’, together with a quantity of research - 2nd Royal Tanks was the only Battalion of the Royal Tank Regiment to be deployed in Burma.