A Second World War MM Group awarded to Sergeant W. A. Evans RA / originally recommended for a DCM / For anti tank actions in Tunisia

Military Medal, correctly impressed - 1064397 Sjt. W. A. Evans, R.A.

1939-45 Star

Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army

Defence Medal

War Medal 

 

Condition GVF

 

 

His Military Medal was announced in the London Gazette 22 July 1943. The original recommendation - for a D.C.M. - states:

 

‘Sergeant Evans is Troop Sergeant of ‘K’ Troop, 88th Anti-Tank Battery, 14th Anti-Tank Regiment. Two guns of ‘K’ Troop were ordered into action on Sidi Amellah (?) ridge during the morning of 29 April. The route for the Troop was through a minefield, and then over an open slope which was exposed to shell and small arms fire. The position was just below and defiladed by the lip of the top of the ridge, firing backwards. The guns which should have covered the top of the ridge were either destroyed or unable to occupy the selected positions because of accurate machine-gun and mortar fire. Tanks were reported on the far side of the ridge. It was necessary to manhandle the gun over the crest of the ridge. Sergeant Evans collected some infantry and assisted to manhandle the gun over the top of the hill onto the forward slope which was in full view of the enemy. Enemy tanks were engaged by the gun and two tanks were destroyed in three rounds. Just after this gun opened fire, Sergeant Evans and the infantry he had collected manhandled the second gun on to the crest and the gun opened fire and destroyed a tank.

 

Early in the tank attack, the Troop Commander had been wounded, and Sergeant Evans took over command of the guns. He collected the infantry to assist in manhandling, helped load the guns, and later conducted the most dangerous operations in order to get the guns and ammunition under cover.’