Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War ‘Battle of Wadi Akarit, V.C. action’ Immediate M.M. awarded to Corporal James Ginty, 7th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, for gallantry in the attack on the Gabes line in April 1943; he was killed in action in January 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2992110 Cpl. J. Ginty. A. & S.H,); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for display, extremely fine (5) £1,400-£1,800

M.M. London Gazette 14 September 1943.

The recommendation for the Immediate award of the M.M. states:

‘On 6 April 1943 in the attack on the GABES line, Corporal Ginty led his section with outstanding gallantry and dash and set an example which was an inspiration to his men. Both the attack and the re-organisation took place under sustained and accurate shelling and small arms fire but he remained completely calm and regardless to danger. His example was followed by his men who moved with the greatest self control. When the objective was captured, Cpl. Ginty was ordered to take his section forward of the rest of the platoon and dig in. The platoon was suffering considerable shelling and some sniping from a German post on his right but Cpl. Ginty calmly led his men forward, selected a position and began digging. Later he was ordered to rejoin the platoon and again he led his section without haste or sign of fear to its fresh position. The complete control and lack of fear shown by the section both on this occasion and throughout the day was an inspiration to the rest of the platoon and was due entirely to the personal example and leadership of Cpl. Ginty.’

The battle of Wadi Akarit took place in a narrow coastline strip between the sea and the coastal towns of Gabes and El Hamma. Between these was the Gabes gap. The Wadi Akarit ran across the gap at the coastal end and to the Roumana Ridge inland and to the west. On 6 April 1943, in the attack upon the Wadi Akarit position, the task of breaking through the enemy minefield and anti-tank ditch to the East of the Roumana feature and of forming the initial bridgehead for a Brigade of the 51st Highland Division was allotted to the 7th Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Lorne Campbell. It was for gallantry in this attack the Lieutenant-Colonel Lorne Campbell won the Victoria Cross and Corporal Ginty the Military Medal.

James Ginty was killed or died on 17 January 1944, aged 21. He was the son of Martin and Ellen Ginty, of Selby, Yorkshire, and is buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery.