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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 906

(x) The mounted A.M., D.S.C. group of seven miniature dress medals attributed to Lieutenant J. E. Gibbons, Royal Navy

Albert Medal, 2nd Class (Bronze), for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea; Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R.; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, good very fine (7)

A.M. London Gazette 11 August 1942:

'Although wounded in the head and thrown into the English Channel, when his craft was mined he went to save others, swimming through burning fuel to reach one of them.'

D.S.C. London Gazette 4 May 1943:

'For bravery and distinguished services during the operations which led to the landing of the allied Armies in North Africa.'

John Edward Gibbons was born on 26 April 1905 at Burnham, Buckinghamshire and attended the Quaker school, Sidcot. He married twice, his first wife dying early. His second wife was Maria Nimmo from Ischia, whom he met while in command there from 27 October 1943-27 February 1945, they married in May 1946. He was an Honorary Freeman of Ischia.

After some five post-War years spent in salvage operations off Malta and a spell in the film industry, the family went to South Africa in 1954. He practised as an irrigation engineer until he died on the 12 November 1971 at Johannesburg, he was cremated and his ashes were scattered off Ischia.

His single Albert Medal was sold by Bonhams in November 2019.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£300

Starting price
£110