Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas (Part I)

The outstanding post-War 1951 Malaya operations D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Acting Sergeant W. E. Carruthers, 42 Commando, Royal Marines, a Sub-Section Leader who personally accounted for several terrorists

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. 2nd issue (Ch. X. 3315 A./Sjt. W. E. Carruthers.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Naval General Service 1915-62, 2 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya (Ch./X. 3315 W. E. Carruthers. A/Sgt. R.M.); Coronation 1953, mounted for display, contact marks, therefore nearly very fine or better (8) £8,000-£12,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 19 October 1951. The original recommendation states:

‘William Ernest Carruthers, Sergeant, 42 Commando Royal Marines.
This Acting Sergeant has, over a period of eleven and a half months, shown the highest qualities of leadership, courage and initiative. He has been on operations continuously and has always shown a most magnificent example to all ranks. His Sub-Section, as a result, has had a series of major successes and have been responsible for killing four, capturing three and wounding three bandits in the last six months.

In November 1950, Sergeant Carruthers’ Sub-Section was involved in a night action against heavily armed and well organised bandits in the Tyrone Estate, near Batu Gajah. Sergeant Carruthers was personally responsible for rallying his Sub-Section against superior numbers and himself wounded and captured a well-known bandit.

In April 1951, in the Bota Forest, his Sub-Section was heavily attacked by a strong party of bandits. Sergeant Carruthers rapidly organised an attack by his outnumbered Sub-Section in order to stabilise the situation. In close quarters fighting and with utter disregard for his own safety, he killed a bandit who was on the point of shooting in the back a member of the Sub-Section. By this action Sergeant Carruthers certainly saved the life of a comrade. By further efforts he was able to rally his men and drive off the enemy whom he then pursued.

On 8 May 1951, he led a patrol of five Marines to an occupied bandit camp on Harewood Estate, himself stalking and shooting the sentry and then leading the attack on the defended camp.

At all times his devotion to duty and his example have been an inspiration to the men he leads so well.

His conduct over a long period has been of a quality far above what may be normally expected of an Acting Sergeant.’

Sold with copied research including recommendation and citation for D.C.M. and Coronation medal roll.