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Auction: 8023 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 57

Family Group: A Second World War ´Immediate´ 1945 Burma M.M. to Sergeant H.J. Meek, Royal Artillery; He Kept His Howitzer in Action Throughout A Japanese Night Attack, Despite His Section Suffering Heavy Casualties Due to Enemy Shelling, and Being ´Blown Up Twice´ Himself Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1564759 Sjt. H.J. Meek. R.A.), good very fine, in original card box of issue, with named Buckingham Palace enclosure, and the following original documentation and related items: - Contemporary typed copy of the Recommendation for the M.M. - Typed letter from the recipient´s General Officer Commanding-in-Chief congratulating Meek on his award - Typed transmission slip for the Campaign Medals - M.I.D. Certificate, dated 9.5.1945, with enclosure slip for M.I.D. Emblem - Record of Service Card - Medical Card - National Service Certificate and Card - Silk Map of Burma - Various contemporary photographs, including three group shots in uniform, and views of India - Card box and envelope addressed ´H.J. Meek. MM 59 St Georges Rd, Ilford, Essex, with M.I.D. Oakleaf - Two Riband Bars Pair: Private A.E. Meek, Leicestershire Regiment British War and Victory Medals (6729 Pte. A.E. Meek. Leic.R.), good very fine, with: - 164 page handwritten detailed memoirs of the recipients Great War Service with the Regiment - Four Regimental cap badges including two to the Royal Leicestershire Regiment (3) Estimate £ 700-900 M.M. London Gazette 24.5.1945 No. 1564759 Sergeant Henry Joseph Meek, Royal Regiment of Artillery (Ilford) ´´in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma´´ The Recommendation States: ´´On the night of 16/17 February 1945 at MINMYU W/Sgt Meek H.J. 226 HAA Bty was No.1. of No.3. Gun (7.2 Hows). At about 2100 hours a Japanese 150mm gun began to shell the position while Troops were engaged in firing H.F. Tasks. From his Gun Pit Sergeant Meek could see the flash of the gun and for about 45 minutes he gave warning to the whole Troop position of each round fired by the Japanese. At about 2145 hours a shell fell some 10 yards from the gun pit, setting the ammunition on fire and wounding the Section Officer. Sergeant Meek and his detachment immediately tried to put it out, and while they were doing this another shell landed among them killing one man and seriously wounding No.1 of No.4 Gun who was also helping. After this Sergeant Meek led his detachment back to his gun and began to lay it in readiness for the next H.F. Task. While they were doing this another shell landed on the side of his gun pit killing the layer and putting the gun out of action. A moment later 25 /7.2. charges exploded behind the pit and blew the detachment several yards away. Sergeant Meek rallied them, put out the fire which was destroying the gun stores and since his gun was out of action took over No.4 Gun with a composite detachment. He then fought this gun for the rest of the night. When the ground was examined the next morning it was clear that the M.P.I. of the Japanese gun had been some 4 yards behind Sergeant Meek´´s gun and about 8 shells had burst within 10 yards of him. In spite of this and being blown up twice Sergeant Meek only missed firing at one of his H.F. Tasks. This time was exactly when his gun was put out of action. Sergeant Meek by his intrepid actions and complete lack of personal fear was an example to all and inspired his gun detachment through the night which was the first occasion this Troop had been under shell fire. His actions were in accordance with highest traditions of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. M.I.D. London Gazette 9.5.1946 1564759 Sgt. H.J. Meek, M.M. 1564759 Sergeant Henry Joseph Meek, M.M., native of Ilford, Essex; served during the Second World War with the Royal Artillery, 13.6.1940 - 15.4.1946; his father was 6729 Private Albert Edward Meek, who served with the Leicestershire Regiment during the Great War, and was named after the Prince of Wales.

Sold for
£1,050