WWII Military Cross group of 7 to Lt. John McKenzie Porter o...

Hammer

£1,250

WWII Military Cross group of 7 to Lt. John McKenzie Porter of the 2nd Battalion The Cameronians, Scottish Rifles, MC reverse is marked 1943 (unnamed), 1939-45, Africa, Italy stars, Defence Medal and BWM, Territorial Efficiency Medal to Lt. J. McK. Porter. M.C. Cameronians, swing mounted as worn, plus swing mounted miniatures, Cameronians cap badge and patch with moto mutare vel timere sperno. Plus set of swing mounted miniatures with 1939-45, Atlantic, France and Germany stars, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal, QEII silver Jubilee Medal and Soviet 40th Anniversary Medal.
With copied Recommendation for MC stating, 'On the 2nd August 1943 the battalion was holding an important position at Sferro bridge. During daylight movement was reduced to an absolute minimum due to enemy action. Two enemy MG post had been located within 1000 yards of the BN right flank. It was decided to kill or capture the personnel of these post. Lt Porter with 19 men was ordered to carry out this task by means of a daylight raid. By skilful manoeuvring of his command, he succeeded in surprising the first post capturing four Germans. Having done this he quickly moved against the second which he also overran capturing a further five Germans and one officer. Several Germans withdrew from the position. Lt Porter's command had now been reduced to ten men owing to casualties and men sent back as escort to prisoners. Lt. Porter commenced to consolidate his position, but was almost immediately subjected to grenade attack by some Germans hidden in some nearby cactus. When dealing with this party of enemy, he was then attacked in the flank by about 20 Germans led by an officer. Lt. Porter shot the leading man with his revolver, where upon the remainder took cover. As the party had now been reduced to 7 men, Lt porter decided to withdraw. This he succeeded in doing despite the fact that it entailed movement over ground exposed to enemy fire. During the operation Lt. Porter, who was also wounded in the arm, exhibited leadership of the highest order. By his personal example and coolness under fire, he inspired his men in an extremely difficult situation. The success of this operation was entirely due to the determination and devotion to duty of Lt. Porter. As a result two German machine-gun posts were knocked out in daylight, one officer and 9 O.Rs captured and 7 Germans killed.' Includes copied London Gazette, Recommendation etc. overall very fine to extremely fine. (R)