Medals to The Rifle Brigade and Affiliated Regiments from the collection formed by Michael Haines

A North West Europe M.M. group of six awarded to Corporal J. R. Farrer, The Rifle Brigade

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6912054 Cpl., Rif. Brig.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France & Germany Star; Defence & War Medals, edge bruising to the first, therefore nearly very fine (6) £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to The Rifle Brigade and Affiliated Regiments from the collection formed by Michael Haines.

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M.M. London Gazette 24 January, 1946. The recommendation states:

‘Between October, 1944, and the end of hostilities in North-West Europe, Cpl. Farrer commanded a section in a mortar platoon. On two particular occasions, Cpl. Farrer particularly distinguished himself.

First at Geffen on the night of 10th/11th October, where his section of three riflemen, which was holding a street, was attacked by some fifty Germans supported by mortar and artillery fire. The enemy got to within ten yards of his position before they were halted by the fire of his section and were forced to withdraw, leaving six dead behind. In beating off the assault by vastly superior forces Cpl. Farrer was in no small measure responsible for the fact that his company group, consisting of two platoons and a troop of tanks, were successful in repelling an attack by what turned out to be a battalion of enemy.

Later at Stadtlohn, on 29th March, 1945, when he was advancing at the head of his section, he was pinned down by heavy and accurate machine-gun fire. Ignoring his own safety, he rushed off to organize support and report to his platoon commander, and returned to his section to continue the advance.

Throughout his service with the Battalion his courage and cheerfulness have inspired all with whom he has worked.’