The Brett Collection of Medals to The Buffs

A ‘River Pescia’ Immediate M.C. group of nine awarded to Major T. Dixon, Royal Sussex Regiment, attached 5th Buffs
Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1914-15 Star Trio (9316 Cpl., Worc. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine or better (9) £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brett Collection of Medals to The Buffs.

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M.C. London Gazette 7 December 1944: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’ W.S./Lieut., Temp. Captain (A.Major) Tom Dixon, R. Sussex Regt., att. 5th Bn. The Buffs:

‘On the 23rd June 1944 this Bn moved to an assembly area near Pescia at approx. 0800 hrs. They were immediately subjected to extremely heavy shelling from Artillery, Mortars and Nebelwerfers, which continued throughout the day. In the evening the Bn was ordered to force the crossing of the R. Pescia, Zero hour being fixed for 1830 hrs. The shelling had now increased in intensity and the situation was made more difficult by an enemy M.G. which started to fire enfilade from the right flank across the ground over which the attacking troops had to pass.

Major Dixon was commanding the Rt hand leading Coy for the attack and despite extremely heavy shelling and M.G. fire he rallied his men together and led them forward into the attack. By his great determination and powers of leadership he led his men on and together with the Coy on his left crossed the river and made the bridgehead secure. Forty-six prisoners of whom six were officers, an enemy Inf gun limbered up ready to move, a wireless set almost intact and a Panther tank were captured by the Coy. This magnificent result was entirely due to Major Dixon’s determination to gain his objective and to his brilliant leadership under the most difficult conditions.’

Sold with original Ministry of Decence recommendation and copies from the 5th Buffs War Diaries.