Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A Second War Burma 1945 ‘Immediate’ Stretcher Bearer’s M.M. group of five awarded to Private S. V. Skinner, 2nd Battalion, Welch Regiment Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3969177 Pte. S. V. Skinner. Welch. R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine and better (5) £1,000-£1,400 --- M.M. London Gazette 12 July 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’ The original Recommendation, for an Immediate award, dated 27 February 1945, states: ‘At Yawashe, on 27 February 1945, Private Skinner was detailed as a stretcher bearer to a platoon of ‘C’ Company, 2nd Battalion, The Welch Regiment, out on Patrol. Private Skinner was actually the Company clerk but owing to the non-availability of any Stretcher Bearers, and as he had had slight medical training in civilian life, he was detailed to accompany the patrol. During the course of the patrol, whilst crossing some open ground, the platoon came under machine gun and mortar fire. The Platoon Commander and one other were killed at once, and as the action continued at close range fifty per cent of his comrades became casualties. The recovery of our casualties under close range enemy fire was exceedingly dangerous but Private Skinner volunteered to make the attempt. He himself made three separate journeys under close range fire and got wounded men back to the only shelter there available - a bank about eighteen inches high. Here he attended to the wounded all the time being exposed to the fire of the enemy. Throughout the whole action, Private Skinner gave an example of bravery, devotion to his comrades, and complete disregard of danger. It was largely due to his inspiring conduct that all our casualties were eventually recovered from an exceedingly dangerous situation.’ Stanley Verdun Skinner attested for the Welch Regiment at Merstham, Surrey, and served during the Second World War with the 2nd Battalion, as part of 62nd Indian Infantry Brigade, 19th Indian Division, in Burma.