C & T Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd
Los 22
WW2 Normandy Tank Operations, “Operation Totalize” Distinguished Service Order Medal Group of Five Awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Forster, Northamptonshire Yeomanry, Who Commanded a Detachment of Armoured Vehicles that in Conjunction with Troops of the 51st Highland Division Attacked and Took an Enemy Strongpoint, Even Though he was Severely Wounded. It was in This Action that the Famous WW2 German Tank Ace Michael Wittman was Killed. George VI Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O) with 1944 dated reverse bar, 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 British War Medal with bronze MID oakleaf. Medals are swing mounted for wear. Accompanied by the original forwarding box for the DSO by DS & S, cardboard box with remains of addressed label to Colonel Forster when living in Wardington Nr Banbury, miniature dress medals on wearing bar and uniform medal ribbon bar. The grouping was purchased direct from the family by the current vendor. The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) appeared in the London Gazette: 21 December 1944; “On the night of the 7/8 August 1944 Lt. Col Forster was in command of a column of 16 armoured vehicles consisting of the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry and the 1st bn, The Black Watch (RHR). The task given to Lt Col. Forster was to move this column to an area just ahead of the infantry objective at a distance of 5,000 yards by night. The infantry would then dismount and attack. This entailed moving straight through a strong enemy position between Tilly La Campagne (0760) and Bourguébus (0761). Several previous attacks against these positions had failed and it was known to be strongly held. The country was difficult and two sunken roads had to be crossed. In spite of determined enemy resistance, Lt. Col Forster, by his drive and determination to get to his objective succeeded in reaching the place for the infantry to dismount. He then positioned his tank to give the maximum support for the infantry attack which resulted in the capture of this objective including several anti-tank guns. Shortly after first light, Lt. Col. Forster was severely wounded and forced to be evacuated. His disregard for his own safety and leadership during this action was a fine example for his regiment.” In this action that Lt Col Forster received the DSO, the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry was involved in Michael Wittman’s final action, when he was killed fighting against both British and Canadian tanks of the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry and of the Sherbrooke Hussars. Before serving in the Northamptonshire Yeomanry, Lt Col Forster served as an officer and adjutant of the 11th Hussars. See lot – for Sweetheart Brooch belonging to the wife of Lt Colonel Forster.
