The Collection of Second World War and Modern Gallantry Awards formed by the late William Oakley

An outstanding Second World War D-Day M.M. group of six awarded to Signalman A. M. McGregor, Royal Corps of Signals, attached 1st Special Service Brigade Signal Troop: landing with the first wave on Gold Beach, he took ‘two shrapnel wounds in the head, three bullet wounds in the arm and a shrapnel wound in the leg’ - but refused to be evacuated and continued to maintain vital wireless contact with the Commandos

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2598341 Sgln. A. M. McGregor, R. Signals); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Police Long Service, E.II.R. (Inspr. Angus McK. McGregor), mounted as worn, good very fine or better (6) £6000-8000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Second World War and Modern Gallantry Awards formed by the late William Oakley.

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M.M. London Gazette 31 August 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘During the landing of Advance H.Q. of the Brigade [on 6 June 1944], all signallers were wounded by mortar and M.G. fire, 50% being incapacitated. Signalman McGregor received two shrapnel wounds in the head, three bullet wounds in the arm, and a shrapnel wound in the leg. In spite of his wounds he continued to operate his set, and enabled essential information to be passed to the main body of Brigade which was still afloat. He refused all assistance, denying that he was seriously hurt, and continued to operate his set during the initial stages of the advance until he was unable to rise after taking cover from further mortar fire. It was only then that the seriousness of his wounds became apparent. His devotion to duty was largely responsible for communications being maintained at an extremely critical period of the operation.’

Angus McKenzie McGregor, a member of the 1st Special Service Brigade’s Signal Troop, landed ahead of the main body of his unit on “Queen Red” Gold Beach at 0750 hours, accompanied by his C.O., Captain J. R. Alexander, and three other signallers and, in common with the men of the East Yorkshires and the armour of the 13/18th Hussars, came under murderous fire. Notwithstanding his own multiple wounds, he remained on duty, as a result of which vital communications were maintained with No. 4 and No. 6 Commandos, the primary task of his Troop that day. An extremely rare immediate M.M. for D-Day.