Metcalfe MC* (GVI)

Medal group: Military Cross (GVI) and second award bar, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, General Service Medal (GVI) [Malaya] (Major N. W. Metcalfe R. A.), Coronation Medal 1953

I have owned the group to Lieutenant Colonel Nigel William Metcalfe Royal Artillery for several months.

Metcalfe was awarded the Military Cross (GVI) during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940. He was awarded a bar to his MC in September 1942 with the following citation:

“On 1st July 1942 the defended locality held by 218 Ind Inf Bde was heavily attacked by an enemy force of tanks and infantry. A certain number of tanks penetrated the minefield and some were approaching one of the Inf Bns B Ech areas where a 2 pdr gun on a portee was in position under a Sjt of 68 A.Tk Bty. Major Metcalfe M.C. Comd 68 A.Tk Bty, hearing of the presence of these tanks at once came forward with a 6 pdr and after a recce reported eight German tanks and ordered both the 2 pdr and 6 pdr into action. He fired the 2 pdr himself with an other rank to spot for him. After firing a few rounds the 2 pdr received a direct hit and burst into flames and Major Metcalfe was thrown off the portee by the explosion. The tanks had obviously spotted the guns and were firing at them very accurately. Though very badly burnt on both legs Major Metcalfe brought the 6 pdr gun back into the Bde HQ and after having his legs bandaged returned to the ridge above Bde HQ and continued to direct the fire of his Troop stationed there knocking out at least two tanks. His courage and devotion to duty were of a very high order and the manner in which he carried on though suffering intense pain from his burns was an inspiration to all. Throughout the day this officer was continually on the move under heavy shell fire encouraging and controlling the guns under his command.”

This date was the beginning of the German assault against the Allied positions at El Alamein.