The Brett Collection of Medals to The Buffs

A fine 8th Army M.M. group of six awarded to Medical Sergeant J. Avery, The Buffs
Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6285716 Sjt., The Buffs); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (6285716 Pte., The Buffs); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine (6) £450-550

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

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M.M. London Gazette 25 November 1943.

The following recommendation was taken from official records: ‘Throughout a period of more than 2 years Sgt Avery, first as Medical Orderly and later as Medical Sergeant, has consistently shown courage under fire with complete disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant conduct, cool example, and initiative far beyond the normal calling of his duty, have directly saved the lives of many men.

In June 1941 he first behaved with conspicuous bravery at the Regimental Aid Post when the 1st Bn The Buffs attacked and captured Fort Capuzzo, and as Medical Corporal on 13-15 Dec 1941 at Point 204 near Gazala he again distinguished himself. It was here that the only ambulance with the Battalion was driven by an Indian soldier. Very heavy casualties were sustained, and on at least three occasions Cpl Avery collected wounded under fire and personally guided the ambulance through direct fire to the Advanced Dressing Station. A man of less initiative would have failed to get the ambulance back over such exposed and difficult ground to evacuate further wounded. On 15 Dec 41 the battalion was finally over-run by German tanks. Among the last to leave was Avery with his ambulance loaded with wounded which he himself had saved, and it is probable, had not most of the officers of the battalion then been killed or captured, that his outstanding behaviour would have been recognised.

On 23 Oct 42 the Regimental Aid Post was situated through the minefield at Myrteria Ridge, and apart from many casualties of The Buffs there were men of 24 and 25 NZ battalions lying wounded after their night attack, amongst the mines and exposed to direct enemy fire. Sgt Avery at personal risk collected many into an ambulance which then became the target for heavy shelling. Whereupon he lifted 4 stretcher cases into some nearby trenches; the next shell hit the ambulance and it is to this NCO that they probably owe their lives. Throughout the Alamein battle, at Agheila, and between 16 and 23 Jan 43 on the way to Tripoli, it is no exaggeration to say that he daily saved lives and spread calmness to those who were with him.

On 22 and 23 March 43, near Point 201 during the left hook to El Hamma, the RAP was subjected to very heavy shelling at a time when 2 stretcher bearers had been evacuated. Sgt Avery displayed the same tireless courage, and the next day after an advance of 2 miles the shelling was if anything worse. Here, to save time and therefore life, he volunteered on several occasions to go out under direct fire in a jeep, which meant driving back very slowly because of the difficulty of balancing a stretcher upon it. At Oudref on 4 April during severe dive bombing his conduct was of the same high order. This is a long record of outstanding courage under fire, and the saving of life. Sgt Avery is strongly recommended for an award.’