A Fine Military Medal for Destruction of a Nebelwerfer Rocket Gun

A Fine Military Medal for Destruction of a Nebelwerfer Rocket Gun - Military Medal, George VI (1467654 SJT. R.S. BENNETT. R.A.); 1939-1945 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; and War Medal 1939-1945. Naming is officially impressed on the MM, the others are un-named. Court-mounted with swing bar pinback, was worn by the veteran, original ribbons, contact marks, very fine. Accompanied by two copies of his Military Medal citation (one on embossed Ministry of Defence letterhead, the other in negative form and taken from microfiche), along with a Campaign Stars Medal List (confirming his award of the four Stars).    Footnote: Sergeant Raymond Stanley Bennett, Royal Regiment of Artillery was awarded his Military Medal for gallant deeds during operations in North West Europe, on February 21, 1945, namely the destruction of a Nebelwerfer ("Smoke Mortar") Rocket Gun near Goch, Germany. The Nebelwerfer was a particularly vicious piece of artillery, being manned by a crew of four and equipped with six barrels, capable of firing 75 lb. 5.9 inch rockets, to a range of 7,500 yards, with the resultant impact of these projectiles being particularly effective against infantry, both physically and psychologically. He was recommended for the Military Medal by the Major Commanding 100 Army Radar Battery, Royal Artillery, a unit of Horrocks famous XXX Corps. 1467654 Sergeant Raymond Stanley Bennett, Royal Regiment of Artillery (Callender), 100 Army Radar Battery was awarded the Military Medal, as mentioned in the Supplement to the London Gazette 37442 of Tuesday. January 22, 1946, on Thursday, January 24, 1946, page 641. His citation states: "Sjt Bennett has been in charge of a Counter Mortar Battery detachment throughout the campaign has set an example to his men worthy of the highest praise. His detachment was invariably deployed in close proximity to the enemy and on many occasions he displayed a courage and coolness which were an example and inspiration to his men. On 21 Feb 45, they were deployed in close proximity to the enemy north of GOCH, close to a road which was the main axis of advance. The enemy commenced very heavy shelling and mortaring of this road and finally when a Nebelwerfer opened fire, traffic on the road was forced to stop. The Nebelwerfer projectiles were falling close around Sgt Bennett's position but he refused to allow the work of his detachment to be interfered with and largely by his coolness and example the Nebelwerfer was accurately located and destroyed by artillery. Traffic was then resumed and a serious holdup averted largely by this NCO's exemplary conduct and coolness. This example of Sjt Bennett's devotion to duty is not an isolated one but is typical of his leadership throughout the campaign." It is fair to conclude that he was also present in the bitterly contested advance of XXX Corps to Arnhem in September 1944.