Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War 1945 ‘North West Europe’ M.M. group of six awarded to Gunner D. Cameron, Royal Artillery - originally recommended for a D.C.M. for his gallantry in engaging enemy infantry, S.P. guns, and a half track only 30 yards away for over two and a half hours from his burning command post

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3129783 Gnr. D. Cameron. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (3129783 Gnr. D. Cameron. R.A.) good very fine (6)
£1000-1400

M.M London Gazette 12 July 1945.

The recommendation, originally for a Distinguished Conduct Medal, dated 20 April 1945, states: ‘At 04:00 hours on the night of 14-15 April 1945 a Battalion Group of 46 (Heavy) Infantry Brigade was harbouring in the village of Stadensen when a surprise attack was launched by a strong force of enemy S.P. guns supported by Infantry. By 04:30 hours two S.P. guns approaching from behind houses had reached a position within 50 yards of the Artillery Command Post and the enemy infantry were under cover only 30 yards away. Gunner Cameron from a front window hotly engaged them and successfully pinned the infantry down with fire from his Sten gun. Meanwhile the SP guns had got to within 30 yards of the Command Post. Seizing a P.I.A.T. and disregarding the retaliatory fire from enemy automatic guns he mounted the P.I.A.T. at the window and engaged the S.P.s. His position was at once spotted by the enemy who concentrated their fire at the window. Despite this Gunner Cameron continued to give covering fire from the window for another P.I.A.T. to get into action which destroyed the S.P. guns. Almost immediately an enemy half-track opened fire from a nearby building. Gunner Cameron, undeterred by the enemy fire and the blazing buildings around him, remained at the window engaging the half-track. After two and a half hours, having been forced to leave the burning command post, he positioned himself with the P.I.A.T. destroying an enemy S.P. gun. Throughout this critical action Gunner Cameron displayed complete disregard for his own safety and his courage was an inspiration to all around him.’

Duncan Cameron, a native of Kilwinning, north Ayrshire, served during the Second World War with No. 190 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, and was awarded an Immediate M.M. whilst part of the 15th Scottish Division in Stadensen, Lower Saxony, Germany.