Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War ‘Defence of Tobruk’ M.M. group of five awarded to Bombardier D. White, Royal Artillery, who was originally recommended for the D.C.M. for his gallantry in saving his gun position from being bombed by an enemy aircraft on 11 April 1941

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (846326 Bmbr. D. White. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (846326 Bmbr. D. White. R.A.) heavy edge bruising to MM, this very fine; the rest better (5) £800-£1,000

M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1941:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’

The original Recommendation, originally for a Distinguished Conduct Medal, states: ‘On 11 April 1941, at “D” H.A.A. gun site, Tobruk Fortress, at approximately 1030 hours, the guns were engaging an enemy formation which was dive-bombing the town and harbour.
One hostile machine, having completed its dive, flattened out and headed straight for the gun position, which was unable to engage so low a target. One remaining bomb was clearly seen in the bomb rack and the enemy machine was gunning as he approached at about 50 feet from the ground. Bombardier White dashed across the open ground with a Lewis gun which had little or no cover and engaged the aircraft. His tracer bullets were seen to pass through the plane which sheered away from its course and was later dealt with by a Hurricane aircraft. Bombardier White ran for and remained at his gun site in spite of vicious fire and, in my opinion, saved the site from the remaining bomb. This site had been straddled by bombs the previous day.’

Dennis White, from Deptford, London, attested for the Royal Artillery and served with 152nd Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment during the Second World War in North Africa. He was awarded his Efficiency Medal per Army Order No. 123 of June 1944.