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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 592

The 'Operation Clipper' 1945 M.C. group of six attributed to Major R. W. Stratton, 141st Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (The Buffs), an Old Tonbridgian who commanded a mixed column of his Regiment at Geilenkirchen and won plaudits only to be dismissed by court-martial the following year

Military Cross, G.VI.R. 'Major R. W. Stratton Royal Armoured Corps 1945', engraved naming; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted court-style for wear by Spink & Son, good very fine (6)

Note the naming appears to have been engraved at the same time as the group was mounted.

M.C. London Gazette 22 Mach 1945, the original recommendation states:

'On 22nd November 1944, Maj. Stratton was commanding a mixed column of 79th Armoured Divn.. special devices and gun tanks which was in support of an American formation fighting in the Geilenkirchen area Half an hour before the column was due to attack it became known that owning to a delay in the completion of an essential bridging task, the operation could not take place as planned. Maj. Stratton showed great initiative, ability, and powers of command in quickly ordering a delay and re-organising the whole fire plan and start times for the attack which was, ultimately, completely successful. Unless Maj. Stratton had taken this prompt and effective action, the attack could not have succeeded.
Maj. Stratton's column was constantly in action for a period of 6 days, during which time he constantly went forward on foot to reconnoitre and always under mortar and shell fire. Each time any portion of his force was omitted it was successful. During all this time Maj. Stratton showed ability, courage and determination of the highest order.'

Richard William Stratton was born at Hill House, West Malling, Kent on 21 May 1911, the son of William and Maud Stratton. He attended Tonbridge School between 1925-1929 and was married in Tiverton, Devon on 23 September 1939. Commissioned Lieutenant on 1 February 1941 with the Royal Armoured Corp and the next year was advanced Major on 24 April 1942.

Serving in Western Europe for the final years of the war with the 141 Regiment, RAC. when the unit was equipped with Churchill crocodile tanks. They landed on D-Day at Gold Beach and fought a notable engagement on 14 June not long later against a force of Panthers. They saw heavy action during Operations Greenline, Totalize and Astonia before joining the bloody battle for the Fortress of Brest.

A month after the Fall of Brest they were posted for service during Operation Clipper, supporting the US 84 Division during which Stratton saw heavy action and earned himself the M.C., likely in command of 'A' Squadron. Stratton was the subject of a Court-Martial on 12 September 1945 and was found to be guilty and dismissed from service; sold together with copied research.


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Estimate

Starting price
£480