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Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 142

'Bourner was a fine man, very short in stature, mild and honest in manner but as brave as they come. It is paradoxical that he must have been one of the worst truck drivers in the British Army, but am sure these were no finer or braver Stretcher Bearer.'

Major J. A. Randall, his Company Commander, reflects on Private Bourner, M.M.

A very fine Immediate 'Anzio Breakout' M.M. awarded to Private S. H. Bourner, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment, who was thrice wounded during the Second World War

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6098248 Pte. S. H. Bourner. D.W.R.), lacquered and cabinet toned, very fine

Purchased Spink, September 1979.

M.M. London Gazette 26 October 1944. The recommendation states:

'For Gallantry in the Anzio Beachhead.

Private Bourner is a Company Stretcher Bearer. During the attack of 22 May he evacuated five wounded men of his Company under heavy MG fire. He was himself hit in the thigh early in the operation but despite this he continued to tend the wounded exposing himself without any regard to his own safety. Finally weak through loss of blood he was ordered to the A.D.S. but having received treatment this soldier avoided evacuation and reported back to his Company for duty and insisted with carrying on with his duties. Private Bourner was instrumental in saving the life of several of his comrades and his gallantry in this, as in all other actions in beachhead, was an inspiration to his comrades.'

Stanley Harry Bourner first joined The Queen's Regiment on 20 June 1940, transferring to the Royal West Kent Regiment on 28 August 1942 and eventually joining The Duke of Wellington's Regiment on 20 May 1943. He would have seen service in North Africa with the West Kent's but joined 'B' Company, 1st Battalion of The Duke's, which was commanded by Major J. A. Randall. Randall gives further detail, in a letter of 26 March 1980:

'Bourner was first a truck driver, and then a Stretcher Bearer attached to B. Coy, during the time I was Commander...He was awarded the M.M. for his bravery during the attack on Pantoni on 22 May 1944 in the final breakout from Anzio. Casualties in B Coy were heavy and although wounded, Bourner worked incessantly and efficiently...Bourner was a fine man, very short in stature, mild and honest in manner but as brave as they come. It is paradoxical that he must have been one of the worst truck drivers in the British Army, but am sure these were no finer or braver Stretcher Bearer.'

The action in which the Medal was won was in which his Battalion was used to cause a diversion on the flank to attack Pantoni, which begun at 2230hrs with 'B' Company at the head. The Company found themselves pinned down and taking losses from Green Bush Hill. They engaged in hand-to-hand fighting but were forced to dig in some 100 yards from the summit. The Battalion lost 12 killed and 74 wounded.

Without the work of men like Bourner, that count would surely have been much more costly. His presence in the front line is further affirmed by the fact he had previously been wounded in action on 2 April 1944 and would latterly be wounded on 22 November 1944. Bourner was also posted Missing in Action on 26 February 1944, but was later returned.

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Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£600