Orders, Decorations and Medals

An Immediate M.M. group of five for Burma awarded to Corporal M. Turner, 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5625718 Cpl., Devon R.) very minor correction to number; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine and scarce (5)

M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945.

‘For marked gallantry in action. At GYO on 10th March 1945, during the attack on that village, Corporal Turner was a member of one of the leading sections. An enemy anti-tank gun opened fire and knocked out one of our tanks which were working ahead of the infantry. Corporal Turner, who had located the gun, crawled forward over very open ground and rushed the gun, killing two of the crew. The remainder ran away and Corporal Turner captured the gun, enabling the tanks to advance. Later in the advance the tanks were held up under heavy enemy shell fire at a nullah which was a formidable tank obstacle. Corporal Turner by himself went forward under enemy light machine-gun and shell fire, reconnoitred a crossing place and personally led the tanks across. This non-commissioned officer throughout the day showed considerable initiative, dash and complete disregard for his own personal safety and, by eliminating an enemy anti-tank gun and his quick and daring reconnaissance of the tank crossing places, greatly contributed to the defeat of the enemy in this battle.’

Only 47 M.M’s awarded to the Devons for WW2, including nine for Burma.