Lot 4052

Description

Group of seven to Corporal John Edwin Hatch, Border Regiment/Pioneer Corps

Military Medal (GVIR) (3595023 Cpl. J.E.Hatch. Pioneer. Corps.); India General Service Medal 1908 - one bar - North West Frontier 1930-31 (3595023 Pte. J.Hatch. Bord. R.); General Service Medal 1918 - one bar - Palestine (359 50 23 Pte. J.E.Hatch. Bord. R.); 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45. Military Medal, India General Service Medal and General Service Medal only named, impressed, others unnamed. Very fine.

MM: London Gazette 2 August 1945. 'For gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe. On 10th April 1945, Corporal Hatch was a member of a party carrying out a night reconnaissance on prospective smoke lines to cover 1st Canadian Division assault over the river Ijasel at Deventer. The leading N.C.O Sergeant Hunter, was attacked by a Dutch S.S. Patrol of 5 men; Corporal Hatch went to his aid and killed one of the patrol which then concentrated on him. By his determined fire, even when injured, he drove off the remainder and Sergeant Hunter was able to withdraw to get assistance. By his action Corporal Hatch prevented the whole smoke cover plan from becoming known to the enemy.'

Together with Soldier's Service & Pay Book; photograph of recipient; Border Regt 'Old Comrades Assoc.' card; official letters of condolence to his wife regarding his death of wounds received on 11 April, 1944; official correspondence regarding the presentation of the Military Medal; letter to his wife from a family in Lockem, the Netherlands tending the recipient's grave; newspaper cutting and letter from Newport Roll of Honour Committee.