Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War ‘Italian theatre’ D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer A. A. McAlister, 1/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, for gallantry during the attack on Mount Damiano on 29 January 1944, in which action he was wounded by a grenade

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (5494881 W.O.Cl.2, Hamps. R.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Efficiency Medal, Territorial, G.VI.R., with additional service clasp (5494881 C. Sjt., 1-4 Hamps. R.) last medal with official correction to first five digits of service number and first two letters of surname, good very fine and better (7)
£2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Hampshire Regiment.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 29 June 1944.

The following is extracted from the original recommendation:

‘On 29 Jan 44, during an attack on pt 411, 8399 the officers of “D” Coy 1/4 Hamps, and of “B” Coy became casualties. CSM McAlister organised the two companies into one, and led them in repeated attempts to capture the objective. When it became dark, he went forward with Sjt Fry to make a recce so as to find an approach and a position from which to rush the enemy. In doing this he was wounded by a grenade but after attention from a stretcher bearer he returned to his command and again tried to capture the hill.

This Warrant Officer displayed a very high standard of personal courage and leadership throughout. He later withdrew under orders with “B” and “D” Coys, refusing further medical attention until the withdrawal had been effected. The attack began at 1430hrs and the Coys withdrew at about 0200hrs.’

Private (Acting Sergeant) A. Fry was also awarded a D.C.M. for gallantry on 29 January 1944.