Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘North Africa’ M.M. group of five awarded to Gunner E. J. McCoy, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1472684 Gnr. E. J. McCoy. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, edge bruising and contact marks to MM, this nearly very fine, the campaign medals better (5) £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 8 July 1943:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.’

The original Recommendation, dated 6 May 1943, states: ‘On 29th April 1943, “L” Troop moved forward to go into action in the area of Cactus Farm. Owing to false information, it was believed that this farm was in our hands. It was not, and two guns of “L” troop were stopped by machine gun fire when about 300 yards from the farm. Driver McCoy was wounded by a bullet which went through his steel helmet; he lost a lot of blood and was partly stunned by the wound. Despite this when it was decided to return to battery HQ Driver McCoy refused to allow anyone else to drive. He drove the quad back through the minefield without a single mistake. Immediately the quad arrived at battery HQ, Driver McCoy had to be evacuated. His courage and determination, and quickness in obeying the troop commander’s signals who kept the vehicle zigzagging, probably saved the gun, quad and detachment.’

Edgar James McCoy, from Liverpool, was serving as a Driver with 88/14th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery, 12th Brigade, 4th Division, 5th Corps when he was awarded his Military Medal.