Lot 3989

Description

Group of Six: Military Medal (GVIR); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; British War Medal 1939-45; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal (EIIR). 5885745 --- L.A.Jeynes North'n R. on first medal, Leslie A.Jeynes on last medal. First and last medals impressed, others unnamed. Attempted correction to rank on first medal, otherwise good very fine.

Sergeant Leslie A Jeynes, 2nd Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment. M.M. L.G.: 20Jul1943 'On the night of April 1st and 2nd, when the Battalion was in the north line of Watling Street in the Anzio Beachhead, Corporal Jeynes was out with a mine laying party in No-Mans-Land. The area was a complete flat and open space within 200 yards of the enemy subject to harassing machine gun fixed lines and mortars throughout the night. The party was fencing a line of anti-personnel shrapnel mines which they had just finished laying. Three shrapnel mines were set off accidently and a piece of shrapnel pierced and smashed a bone in Corporal Jeynes forearm. The N.C.O. in charge was seriously wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety and without having his wounds attended to he supervised the withdrawal of the party including four casualties, whom he extricated from the trip wires of the shrapnel mines. Corporal Jeynes did not go back for attention until relieved later. By this time all casualties were clear of the minefield except for one dead man whom Corporal jeynes would not leave until a stretcher bearer had made certain that there was no chance of him being alive. He showed leadership of a high order'.