Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

Family Group:

A Second War ‘Italy’ M.M. group of six awarded to Bulldozer Driver Sapper L. J. James, Royal Engineers, who was severely wounded at San Patrizio, Italy, on 13 April 1945
Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2142000 Spr. L. J. James. R.E.) on original mounting pin, in named card box of issue, and with named Buckingham Palace enclosure; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the MM in Mint state, otherwise extremely fine

British War Medal 1914-20 (47091 Pte. B. James. North’n. R.) good very fine (7) £1,000-£1,400

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M.M. London Gazette 24 August 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Since landing in North Africa on 8 November 1942, Sapper James has operated a bulldozer in a forward area whenever the Division has been in contact with the enemy. During the campaign in Sicily and again in Italy, he has advanced the van of the Division, filling in craters and opening up the roads. Rarely did he know whether these roads had been swept for mines of whether he had an Infantry covering party between himself and the enemy.
In particular, he came under heavy artillery and mortar fire whilst operating his bulldozer during the establishment of the bridgeheads over the Fiume Salso and Simerto in Sicily, and the Fiume Biferno, Trigno, Sangrom and Torrente Foldino in Italy.
During all this period, Sapper James has displayed great personal courage and devotion to duty. On many occasions he has continued to operate his bulldozer when the sole target from the enemy fire. The work which he has carried out under these difficult conditions has often materially speeded up the advance of the Division.’

Leonard Jack James, the son of Private Benjamin James, Northamptonshire Regiment, was born in Syersham, Northamptonshire, on 21 December 1920, and attested for the Royal Engineers on 27 February 1941. He served with the Engineers during the Second World War in North Africa from 28 October 1942, and thence in Sicily and Italy. He was severely wounded whilst in the dock area of San Patrizio, near Lugo, northern Italy, on 13 April 1945- a statement from the recipient’s daughter states:
‘My father was filling in bomb crates in the road and had just finished his four hour shift, and his co-driver had taken over. They were ambushed by the Germans with 2” mortar, machine gun, and rifle fire. His co-driver jumped off the bulldozer and dived for cover, leaving the machine running and the brake off. Sapper James noticed the bulldozer was heading for the bomb crater where his company comrades were taking shelter. He ran 250 yards towards the machine under fire from the Germans, jumped up onto the bulldozer, and knocked it out of gear, thus stopping it. When he jumped down, a 2” mortar bomb landed by his side severely wounding him. He was evacuated to the nearest Field Hospital. When he regained consciousness he was told that he was very lucky to be alive, as he had died twice on the operating table. He was transferred back to the U.K. and spent the next 18 months in hospital. For the next 50 years, until his death, his body was rejecting shrapnel. He once said that he was going to save it all up and sent it back to the bastards.’

James was discharged as permanently unfit for any form of military service on 25 October 1946, after 5 years and 241 days’ service. He died in April 1996.

Sold with the recipient’s Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; Certificate of Service; various photographs and newspaper cuttings; and other research.