GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY 1096
A good Second World War North-West Europe operations M.M. group of six awarded to Serjeant J. T. McLaren, King’s Own Scottish Borderers
MILITARY MEDAL,
G.VI.R. (3190019 Sjt., K.O.S.B.); 1939-45 STAR; FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR; DEFENCE AND WAR MEDALS, these unnamed; EFFICIENCYMEDAL,
G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (3190019 Sjt., M.M., K.O.S.B.) mounted court style for display, first with slight edge bruising, good very fine and better (6)
£2000-2400 M.M. London Gazette 24 May 1945.
The original recommendation states: ‘On 23 February 1945, a detachment of the Carrier Platoon, under the command of Sergeant McLaren, was sent forward to clear up the east bank of the River Niers and to hold it in order to support the advance of the 53 Division.
The enemy, realising the threat to his flank that such a manoeuvre entailed, brought down accurate mortar and machine-gun fire on the section during its advance. Nevertheless, Sergeant McLaren persisted till he had gained his objective.
His position was now located in a loop of the river, and strong posts of the enemy were only 200 yards from him on three sides. For 18 hours he was subjected to heavy shelling and mortaring and owing to his closeness to the enemy he had to submit to fire from his own guns in addition.
To the average junior leader, detached without support, the position would have been untenable.
However, as a result of Sergeant McLaren’s magnificent example, his complete disregard to personal danger and his encouragement and cheerfulness, his men moved about to different positions, incessantly harassing the enemy across the river and causing numerous casualties. Furthermore, throughout the 18 hours he and his party were in a position, Sergeant McLaren sent back accurate and valuable information regarding the enemy movements and dispositions.
As a result of Sergeant McLaren’s energy, determination and devotion to duty, very considerable assistance was given to the Division on the flank.’
John Turner McLaren was from Bowness.
1097
A Second World War ‘Arakan’ M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Naik Fazal Hussain, 7/16th Punjab Regiment
MILITARY MEDAL,
G.VI.R. (18177 L-Nk., Punjab R.) impressed naming; 1939-45 STAR; BURMA STAR; WAR AND INDIA SERVICE MEDALS, these unnamed, some edge bruising and contact marks, very fine (5)
£1000-1200 M.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945. ‘For gallant & distinguished service in Burma.’
The original recommendation, dated March 1945 reads, ‘In the Tamandu area, on 5.3.45 during the attack on feature known as “Pig” (905164) this I.O.R. was No. 1 on an L.M.G. Whilst clearing the east slope of the feature his section commander saw an enemy 37mm gun with an officer and crew behind it preparing to fire on his platoon at point blank range. No. 18177 L/Nk. Fazil Hussain stood up in full view of the enemy and firing his gun from the hip charged the crew, killing them all and capturing the gun.
By his coolness and courage and complete disregard for his own danger this N.C.O. saved his platoon from sustaining heavy casualties and captured a valuable piece of enemy equipment.
On 6.3.45 while his platoon were in a very exposed position immediately below the enemy on the feature known as “Strong” (909169) this I.O.R. engaged an enemy L.M.G. in a strong bunker position 20 yards in front of him and by firing continuously for [an] hour despite many enemy attempts to dislodge him, he neutralised the enemy L.M.G. and thus saved his platoon from many inevitable casualties.
By his devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety throughout the entire operation, this N.C.O. was a fine example of courage and leadership to his comrades.’
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