Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A fine Second War 1944 ‘Battle of Admin Box’ M.M. awarded to Sapper D. H. P. Flatman, 55th Observation Squadron, Royal Engineers, an explosives expert, whose gallantry and behind the lines ‘specialist’ work, was also recognised when attached to No. 44 Commando, Royal Marines for Operation Screwdriver - the amphibious landing and attack at Alethangyaw in March 1944 Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1945587 Spr. D. H. P. Flatman, R.E.) good very fine £3,000-£4,000 --- 1 of 9 M.M.’s awarded to the Royal Engineers for services in the Burma theatre of operations. M.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘In Arakan. a) On 7 February when 7 Div HQ had been overrun and stragglers were coming back, helped by his cheerfulness to restore confidence at a critical time and helped to form the first defence positions East of the Admin Box. b) On 8 February he went out with other volunteers into No Man’s Land and helped to drive back some 30 heavy bridging and workshop vehicles, although in full view of the enemy and although the area was under mortar fire. c) On 13 February when during an enemy raid on the Admin Box some 16 vehicles were set on fire, he was prominent in helping to extinguish flames. d) During the whole period 7-27 February he continued to encourage others by his cheerfulness and courage, although often under fire from enemy small arms and shells. e) During the period 9-16 March he was attached to 44 R.M. Commando. He again set a fine example while operating behind the Japanese lines and was responsible, with one other BOR, for covering a move the commando, by effects, in the Alethangyan area. f) Since that period he has taken part in numerous patrols against the enemy and has always set a fine example of cheerfulness and courage.’ David Flatman served with the 55th Observation Squadron, Royal Engineers during the Second War. He was attached to Major-General Frank Messervy’s 7th Division HQ when it was overrun by vastly superior Japanese forces, 7 February 1944, and Flatman subsequently distinguished himself during the Battle of Admin Box. After taking part in the epic three week siege of Admin Box, Flatman and one other man from his unit were attached to No. 44 Commando, Royal Marines for the raid on Alethangyan (Operation Screwdriver) in March 1944. The latter landed at Alethangyaw with the task of taking the town as the essential prerequisite for the rest of the 3rd Special Service Brigade to pass through it and advance into the surrounding hills to engage the Japanese. The landing was resisted fiercely by the fire of emplaced machine guns and snipers, and for the next 48 hours 44 Commando was involved in a succession of running battles with the Japanese and also carried out a reconnaissance of the surrounding hills. The undertaking claimed some 40 to 50 Japanese dead for the loss of four commandos declared missing believed dead. Flatman took part in the amphibious landing, and subsequent attack, with his role being described in the unit report as thus: ‘Two other ranks of 55th Observation Squadron were attached to 44 (RM) Commando... and remained with the Unit throughout the operation. Their deception devices were used with success on two occasions. I cannot speak too highly of the manner in which these ranks carried out their duties. Not only were they obviously efficient at their specialist work but they showed a fine example of energy and determination to all with whom they came in contact with.’