Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War ‘Operation Crusader’ M.M. group of four awarded to Serjeant L. Gosby, Royal Tank Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7883192 A. Sjt., R. Tank R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted court style for wear; together with cap badge, good very fine (5) £1000-1200

M.M. London Gazette 9 September 1942.

M.I.D. London Gazette

M.M. Recommendation states: ‘At Sidi Rezegh on 22 November, 1941 when in command of a tank, supported his Squadron Commander in an attack on Anti Tank guns. When his Squadron Commander’s tank was put out of action by enemy fire, he pushed further forward to enable the crew to evacuate. It was then that his tank was put out of action. He evacuated his crew under heavy machine gun fire and rendered first aid to the wounded operator. He then at the Rally Point took command of another tank and went into action with a Mixed Squadron in an attack on enemy Anti Tank gun positions. This N.C.O. displayed the greatest courage and was at all times a source of inspiration to all. At Antelat on the 23rd December, 1941 he showed cool courage in the face of enemy shell fire by removing a wiireless receiver from one tank to that of his Squadron Commander when it was important that inter-communications should be maintained. He was largely responsible for the good communications within the Squadron throughout the whole of the operations’.

‘Operation Crusader’ was the designation of a major offensive undertaken by the 8th Army under Lieutenant-General Sir Alan Cunningham under the overall command of General Sir Claude Aukhinleck, to relieve Tobruk. Fought over the period of 18 November 1941-6 January 1942, the operation succeeded in it’s objective and drove the Axis forces back to El Agheila. The Axis loosing 38,000 men and 300 tanks to the Allies 18,000 men and 275 tanks. Gosby served in the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, part of the 4th Armoured Brigade.

Sold with a quantity of copied research, including extracts from the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment War Diary, 17 November - 17 December 1941.