Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War ‘North-West Europe’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant L. E. Chappell, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, for the repeated recovery of stranded and damaged tanks under enemy shell fire

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14207232 Sjt. L. E. Chappell, R.E.M.E.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for wear, with named Buckingham Palace enclosure for M.M. and War Office enclosure, Campaign Medals enclosure and newspaper cuttings, generally very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

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M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1945.
The original recommendation states: Sgt Chappell has been in command of the Recovery Crews of his section throughout the campaign. During recent operations, recovery tasks were carried out under extremely difficult conditions but Sgt Chappell displayed organising and technical skill of a very high order. Tanks were bogged in soft mud, their recovery necessitated Sgt Chappell being exposed for considerable lengths of time in full view and range of the enemy. On numerous occasions he successfully effected the recovery of tanks under fire.
During times of danger his coolness and cheerfulness, coupled with a complete disregard for his personal safety, inspired the crews working under him to give their last ounce, thus achieving the recovery of many tanks which would otherwise have been lost.
His work has been outstanding.’

Leonard Edwards Chappell was a native of Sutton, Surrey. He was educated at Mina Road School, Camberwell, and served during the Second War with 836 Heavy Recovery Section, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.