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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 603

(x) Five: Serjeant R. W. A. Noakes, 2nd Fife & Forfar Yeomanry, who was wounded in action on 21 September 1944

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., Territorial (7892643. Cpl. R. W. A. Noakes. F. F. Yeo.), minor contact wear overall, very fine (5)

Robert William A. Noakes served during the Second World War with the 2nd Fife & Forfar Yeomanry. After the German invasion of Europe, fears arose that Ireland could be next on their list of targets. The 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry arrived in Northern Ireland on 23 June 1940 as a response to this threat and became the only Divisional Cavalry Regiment in the country.

They soon became part 53rd Division, attached to 159 Brigade. Their main duty was to patrol the border and they prepared to take the fight to Dublin if required.

After training in Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom, the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry took part in the Normandy landings with the 29th Armoured Brigade in the 11th Armoured Division in June 1944, operating tanks including the Comet. It subsequently saw action in Operation Epsom in June 1944, Operation Goodwood in July 1944, Operation Bluecoat in August 1944.

They were approaching Essen on 21 September 1944 when Noakes was wounded in action, the Battalion War Diary for the day notes:

'‘C’ Sqn actively patrolled the Canal by SOMMEREN and ‘A’ Sqn patrolled North to another possible bridge at 5715, but on arrival found it blown, so they worked down the Canal shooting up opposition on the far side. At 1930 hrs the Herefords established a bridgehead across the Canal, supported by fire from ‘C’ Sqn.'

A Corporal at that stage he appears to have remained with the unit as they saw further action in the Battle of the Bulge. Noakes was issued his medals on 17 January 1962; sold together with copied research.

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

Sold for
£240

Starting price
£110