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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 239

A good Burma operations D.C.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant R. Liddell, Royal Scots Fusiliers, late King's Own Scottish Borderers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (3187413 Sjt. R. Liddell. R. S. Fus.), on its original pin; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (3187413 Pte. R. Liddell. K.O.S.B.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (6)

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 March 1945. The original recommendation was for an M.M.; this was duly upgraded on the strength of his citation:

'‘On 3rd October 1944 in North Burma, Sgt. Liddell was Platoon Sergeant of the left leading platoon of his company which was advancing on the Mawlu across open paddy. At about 12.30 hours, when 200 yards from the edge of the village, the right forward platoon was held up by L.M.G. and rifle fire from the left. Sgt. Liddell platoon pushed on to a slightly wooded and overgrown area to their left front which afforded some cover. Sgt. Liddelll was moving with the Platoon H.Q. close behind the forward section when he saw a Japanese in the doorway of a building about a hundred yards away. He immediately went forward to warn the leading section, from whom it was screened off, the presence of a Japanese post and ordered them to stand fast while he reconnoitred. He crawled to a mound within 25 yards of the building from where he exchanged shots with a Japanese Officer who withdrew into the building shouting orders. A medium machine gun near the building and on the flank of the platoon opened fire at 75-yard range, as the pontoon resumed its advances, forcing it to take cover and re-opening fire at every attempt to advance. Sgt. Liddell remained in his exposed position, which was now attracting fire, with complete disregard for his own safety, and attempted to eliminate the machine gun with his grenades, at the same time waving to the platoon to advance. The Platoon Commander at this stage ordered the platoon to withdraw and Sgt. Liddell remained to cover this operation engaging and driving to cover three Japanese who attempted to reach the firing positions. He then re-joined
his platoon and assist his Commander to reorganise a second attempt. When the attack was resumed Sgt. Liddell led two sections against the area where he knew the enemy to be. This attack was hit by heaver fire than before, but though the sections we forced to take cover, Sgt. Liddell continued to advance urging them on. The Platoon Commander now decided the heaver support was required and recalled the sections. Sgt.
Liddell was then close to the enemy and remained there in an exposed position for a further five minutes, trying to locate the enemies detailed positions, before he returned to the platoon. Later in the evening, after
the opposition had been neutralized by artillery fire and the company was able to reach its objective Sgt. Liddell coolly assisted his commander in organising the consolidation under fire from snipers and grenade
discharged. When his commander was mortally wounded, he immediately took command and moved among his men encouraging them without regard for his own safety. Through this action Sgt. Liddell showed the
utmost courage, coolness and initiative and his conduct was an inspiration to all.'

Robert Liddell, a native of Dunbar, was born on Boxing Day 1914 and joined the King's Own Scottish Borderers in January 1934. He had married and settled in Ulverston, Lancashire by the time of the Second World War. Having seen active service in Palestine from August-December 1936, he thence served in Burma during the Second World War. Liddell took his D.C.M. from the hands of The King on 17 December 1946; sold together with Soldiers' Book, various original paperwork and a photograph of the recipient.

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Estimate
£3,000 to £5,000

Starting price
£2400